Bilateral complete ureteral duplication with calculi obstructing both limbs of left double ureter.

PubMed

Aiken, William D; Johnson, Peter B; Mayhew, Richard G

2015-01-01

A woman with bilateral complete ureteral duplication with stones simultaneously obstructing both limbs of the left double ureter is presented. A search of the English medical literature suggests that this is the first reported case. Based on the initial difficulty accessing the stones via ureteroscopy we make recommendations regarding how this rare problem should be approached if encountered. A 37-year old woman with left-sided flank pain was discovered on CT scan to have bilateral complete ureteral duplication and three stones obstructing both limbs of the left double ureter. Ureteroscopy was initially unsuccessful due to the very small calibre and unyielding nature of the ureters and both ureteral limbs were stented. Repeat ureteroscopy was easily achieved after pre-stenting and the impacted stones were completely cleared with intracorporeal laser lithotripsy. The smaller calibre of both double ureters and their presence in a common adventitial sheath distally, made initial attempts at ureteroscopy difficult. Stenting both limbs increased ureteral compliance, passively dilated both ureters and allowed for improved manoeuvrability and retrograde passage of the ureteroscope. Based on the experience with this first reported case it is recommended that pre-stenting should be routinely performed prior to any attempt at ureteroscopy in cases of stones complicating completely duplicated ureters. We report the first recorded case of bilateral complete ureteral duplication with stones simultaneously obstructing both limbs of the double ureter and recommend that routine pre-stenting be done prior to ureteroscopy to allow easy uncomplicated retrograde passage of the ureteroscope. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Predictors of positive 18F-FDG PET/CT-scan for large vessel vasculitis in patients with persistent polymyalgia rheumatica.

PubMed

Prieto-Peña, Diana; Martínez-Rodríguez, Isabel; Loricera, Javier; Banzo, Ignacio; Calderón-Goercke, Mónica; Calvo-Río, Vanesa; González-Vela, Carmen; Corrales, Alfonso; Castañeda, Santos; Blanco, Ricardo; Hernández, José L; González-Gay, Miguel Á

2018-05-18

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is often the presenting manifestation of giant cell arteritis (GCA). Fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan often discloses the presence of large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in PMR patients. We aimed to identify predictive factors of a positive PET/CT scan for LVV in patients classified as having isolated PMR according to well-established criteria. A set of consecutive patients with PMR from a single hospital were assessed. All of them underwent PET/CT scan between January 2010 and February 2018 based on clinical considerations. Patients with PMR associated to other diseases, including those with cranial features of GCA, were excluded. The remaining patients were categorized in classic PMR (if fulfilled the 2012 EULAR/ACR classification criteria at disease diagnosis; n = 84) or atypical PMR (who did not fulfill these criteria; n = 16). Only information on patients with classic PMR was assessed. The mean age of the 84 patients (51 women) with classic PMR was 71.4 ± 9.2 years. A PET/CT scan was positive in 51 (60.7%). Persistence of classic PMR symptoms was the most common reason to perform a PET/CT scan. Nevertheless, patients with positive PET/CT scan often had unusual symptoms. The best set of predictors of a positive PET/CT scan were bilateral diffuse lower limb pain (OR = 8.8, 95% CI: 1.7-46.3; p = 0.01), pelvic girdle pain (OR = 4.9, 95% CI: 1.50-16.53; p = 0.01) and inflammatory low back pain (OR = 4.7, 95% CI: 1.03-21.5; p = 0.04). Inflammatory low back pain, pelvic girdle and diffuse lower limb pain are predictors of positive PET/CT scan for LVV in PMR. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Artist Concept of MAVEN Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph at Work

NASA Image and Video Library

2014-11-07

This artist concept depicts the Imaging Ultraviolet Spectrograph IUVS on NASA MAVEN spacecraft scanning the upper atmosphere of Mars. IUVS uses limb scans to map the chemical makeup and vertical structure across Mars upper atmosphere.

Robust automatic measurement of 3D scanned models for the human body fat estimation.

PubMed

Giachetti, Andrea; Lovato, Christian; Piscitelli, Francesco; Milanese, Chiara; Zancanaro, Carlo

2015-03-01

In this paper, we present an automatic tool for estimating geometrical parameters from 3-D human scans independent on pose and robustly against the topological noise. It is based on an automatic segmentation of body parts exploiting curve skeleton processing and ad hoc heuristics able to remove problems due to different acquisition poses and body types. The software is able to locate body trunk and limbs, detect their directions, and compute parameters like volumes, areas, girths, and lengths. Experimental results demonstrate that measurements provided by our system on 3-D body scans of normal and overweight subjects acquired in different poses are highly correlated with the body fat estimates obtained on the same subjects with dual-energy X-rays absorptiometry (DXA) scanning. In particular, maximal lengths and girths, not requiring precise localization of anatomical landmarks, demonstrate a good correlation (up to 96%) with the body fat and trunk fat. Regression models based on our automatic measurements can be used to predict body fat values reasonably well.

Retrieval and molecule sensitivity studies for the global ozone monitoring experiment and the scanning imaging absorption spectrometer for atmospheric chartography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chance, Kelly V.; Burrows, John P.; Schneider, Wolfgang

1991-01-01

The Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) and the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) are diode based spectrometers that will make atmospheric constituent and aerosol measurements from European satellite platforms beginning in the mid 1990's. GOME measures the atmosphere in the UV and visible in nadir scanning, while SCIAMACHY performs a combination of nadir, limb, and occultation measurements in the UV, visible, and infrared. A summary is presented of the sensitivity studies that were performed for SCIAMACHY measurements. As the GOME measurement capability is a subset of the SCIAMACHY measurement capability, the nadir, UV, and visible portion of the studies is shown to apply to GOME as well.

Vertical Distribution of Aersols and Water Vapor Using CRISM Limb Observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Michael D.; Wolff, Michael J.; Clancy, R. Todd

2011-01-01

Near-infrared spectra taken in a limb-viewing geometry by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) on-board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provide a useful tool for probing atmospheric structure. Specifically, the observed radiance as a function of wavelength and height above the limb allows the vertical distribution of both dust and ice aerosols to be retrieved. These data serve as an important supplement to the aerosol profiling provided by the MRO/MCS instrument allowing independent validation and giving additional information on particle physical and scattering properties through multi-wavelength studies. A total of at least ten CRISM limb observations have been taken so far covering a full Martian year. Each set of limb observations nominally contains about four dozen scans across the limb giving pole-to-pole coverage for two orbits at roughly 100 and 290 W longitude over the Tharsis and Syrtis/Hellas regions, respectively. At each longitude, limb scans are spaced roughly 10 degrees apart in latitude, with a vertical spatial resolution on the limb of roughly 800 m. Radiative transfer modeling is used to model the observations. We compute synthetic CRISM limb spectra using a discrete-ordinates radiative transfer code that accounts for multiple scattering from aerosols and accounts for spherical geometry of the limb observations by integrating the source functions along curved paths in that coordinate system. Retrieved are 14-point vertical profiles for dust and water ice aerosols with resolution of 0.4 scale heights between one and six scale heights above the surface. After the aerosol retrieval is completed, the abundances of C02 (or surface pressure) and H20 gas are retrieved by matching the depth of absorption bands at 2000 nm for carbon dioxide and at 2600 run for water vapor. In addition to the column abundance of water vapor, limited information on its vertical structure can also be retrieved depending on the signal available from aerosol scattering.

Automatic anatomical structures location based on dynamic shape measurement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witkowski, Marcin; Rapp, Walter; Sitnik, Robert; Kujawinska, Malgorzata; Vander Sloten, Jos; Haex, Bart; Bogaert, Nico; Heitmann, Kjell

2005-09-01

New image processing methods and active photonics apparatus have made possible the development of relatively inexpensive optical systems for complex shape and object measurements. We present dynamic 360° scanning method for analysis of human lower body biomechanics, with an emphasis on the analysis of the knee joint. The anatomical structure (of high medical interest) that is possible to scan and analyze, is patella. Tracking of patella position and orientation under dynamic conditions may lead to detect pathological patella movements and help in knee joint disease diagnosis. The processed data is obtained from a dynamic laser triangulation surface measurement system, able to capture slow to normal movements with a scan frequency between 15 and 30 Hz. These frequency rates are enough to capture controlled movements used e.g. for medical examination purposes. The purpose of the work presented is to develop surface analysis methods that may be used as support of diagnosis of motoric abilities of lower limbs. The paper presents algorithms used to process acquired lower limbs surface data in order to find the position and orientation of patella. The algorithms implemented include input data preparation, curvature description methods, knee region discrimination and patella assumed position/orientation calculation. Additionally, a method of 4D (3D + time) medical data visualization is proposed. Also some exemplary results are presented.

Planetary astronomy program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1977-01-01

A program was developed in which asteroids and two planets, namely, Saturn and Uranus, were investigated. This included: (1) asteroid spectrophotometry; (2) the nature of the Trojan asteroids; (3) an investigation to determine asteroid masses; (4) the photometry, structure, and dynamics of the rings surrounding the planet Saturn; and (5) aerosol distribution in the atmosphere of Uranus. Plans were finalized to obtain observations of the nucleus of the dying comet P/Arend-Rigaux. Further work was accomplished in asteroid data reduction. Data were entered into the TRIAD data file and a program generated classifications for over 560 different asteroids. A photoelectric area scanner was used to obtain UBV scans of the disk of the planet Saturn on several winter and spring nights in 1977. Intensity profiles show pronounced limb brightening in U, moderate limb brightening in B, and limb darkening in V. Narrow band photoelectric area-scanning photometry of the Uranus disk is also reported. Results are given.

Treatment of visual neglect in elderly patients with stroke: a single-subject series using either a scanning and cueing strategy or a left-limb activation strategy.

PubMed

Bailey, Maggie J; Riddoch, M Jane; Crome, Peter

2002-08-01

The presence of unilateral visual neglect (UVN) may adversely affect functional recovery, and rehabilitation strategies that are practical for use in clinical settings are needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of 2 approaches to reduce UVN in people who have had strokes. Seven elderly patients with stroke and severe left UVN, aged 60 to 85 years, were recruited from a stroke rehabilitation unit. A nonconcurrent, multiple-baselines-across-subjects approach, with an A-B-A treatment-withdrawal single-subject experimental design, was used. Five subjects received a scanning and cueing approach, and 2 subjects received a contralesional limb activation approach, for 10 one-hour sessions. In the former approach, active scanning to the left was encouraged by the therapist, using visual and verbal cues and a mental imagery technique, during reading and copying tasks and simple board games. In the latter approach, functional and goal-oriented left upper-limb activities in neglected hemispace were encouraged. Unilateral visual neglect was examined by a masked (blinded) examiner throughout all phases using the Star Cancellation Test, the Line Bisection Test, and the Baking Tray Task. Data were analyzed using visual and inferential statistical techniques. Both subjects who received limb activation and 3 of the 5 subjects who received scanning and cueing showed a reduction in UVN in one or more tests. This improvement was maintained during the withdrawal phase. Both approaches had a positive effect of reducing aspects of UVN in some subjects relative to no-treatment baselines. However, causality cannot be assured in the absence of controls. The approaches are practical for use in rehabilitation settings. These procedures warrant further replication across subjects, settings, and therapists.

Satellite-based observations of tsunami-induced mesosphere airglow perturbations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Yu-Ming; Verkhoglyadova, Olga; Mlynczak, Martin G.; Mannucci, Anthony J.; Meng, Xing; Langley, Richard B.; Hunt, Linda A.

2017-01-01

Tsunami-induced airglow emission perturbations were retrieved by using space-based measurements made by the Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broad-band Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on board the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics spacecraft. At and after the time of the Tohoku-Oki earthquake on 11 March 2011, and the Chile earthquake on 16 September 2015, the spacecraft was performing scans over the Pacific Ocean. Significant ( 10% relative to the ambient emission profiles) and coherent nighttime airglow perturbations were observed in the mesosphere following Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broad-band Emission Radiometry limb scans intercepting tsunami-induced atmospheric gravity waves. Simulations of emission variations are consistent with the physical characteristics of the disturbances at the locations of the corresponding SABER scans. Airglow observations and model simulations suggest that atmospheric neutral density and temperature perturbations can lead to the observed amplitude variations and multipeak structures in the emission profiles. This is the first time that airglow emission rate perturbations associated with tsunamis have been detected with space-based measurements.

Measurement of limb volume: laser scanning versus volume displacement.

PubMed

McKinnon, John Gregory; Wong, Vanessa; Temple, Walley J; Galbraith, Callum; Ferry, Paul; Clynch, George S; Clynch, Colin

2007-10-01

Determining the prevalence and treatment success of surgical lymphedema requires accurate and reproducible measurement. A new method of measurement of limb volume is described. A series of inanimate objects of known and unknown volume was measured using digital laser scanning and water displacement. A similar comparison was made with 10 human volunteers. Digital scanning was evaluated by comparison to the established method of water displacement, then to itself to determine reproducibility of measurement. (1) Objects of known volume: Laser scanning accurately measured the calculated volume but water displacement became less accurate as the size of the object increased. (2) Objects of unknown volume: As average volume increased, there was an increasing bias of underestimation of volume by the water displacement method. The coefficient of reproducibility of water displacement was 83.44 ml. In contrast, the reproducibility of the digital scanning method was 19.0 ml. (3) Human data: The mean difference between water displacement volume and laser scanning volume was 151.7 ml (SD +/- 189.5). The coefficient of reproducibility of water displacement was 450.8 ml whereas for laser scanning it was 174 ml. Laser scanning is an innovative method of measuring tissue volume that combines precision and reproducibility and may have clinical utility for measuring lymphedema. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc

The principles of management of congenital anomalies of the upper limb.

PubMed

Watson, S

2000-07-01

Management of congenital anomalies of the upper limb is reviewed with reference to classification and aetiology, incidence, diagnosis before birth, broad principles of treatment, timing of x rays and scans, functional aims, cosmetic appearance, counselling of parents, therapists, scars, skin grafts, growth, and timing of surgery. Notes on 11 congenital hand conditions are given.

Preliminary design of the cryogenic cooled limb scanning interferometer radiometer (CLIR)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sherman, A.

1978-01-01

The preliminary design of the cryogenic cooling system for the Cryogenic Cooled Limb Scanning Interferometer Radiometer (CLIR) instrument to be flown on the Atmospheric Magnetospheric Physics Satellite (AMPS) was studied. The top level trade studies were extensive due to the instrument requirement for cooling at three temperature levels as opposed to the two levels initially described for the instrument. Approximately 12 different combinations of cryogens were investigated. The basic lifetime requirement for the instrument was 30 days. However, studies were also conducted for a follow-up mission requiring a 1 year lifetime. The top level trades led to the selection of a single stage supercritical helium baseline.

Thermal Stability of a 4 Meter Primary Reflector for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cofield, Richard; Kasl, Eldon P.

2010-01-01

We describe the fabrication and thermal-stability analysis and test of a composite demonstration model of the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder (SMLS) primary reflector, having full 4m height and 1/3 the width planned for flight. SMLS is a space-borne heterodyne radiometer which will measure pressure, temperature and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission between 180 and 660 GHz. Current MLS instruments in low Earth orbit scan pencil-beam antennas (sized to resolve about one scale height) vertically over the atmospheric limb. SMLS, planned for the Global Atmospheric Composition Mission of the NRC Decadal Survey, adds azimuthal scanning for better horizontal and temporal resolution and coverage than typical orbit spacing provides. SMLS combines the wide scan range of the parabolic torus with unblocked offset Cassegrain optics. The resulting system is diffraction-limited in the vertical plane but highly astigmatic in the horizontal, having a beam aspect ratio [tilde operator]1:20. Symmetry about the nadir axis ensures that beam shape is nearly invariant over +/-65(white bullet) azimuth. The a feeds a low-noise SIS receiver whose FOV is swept over the reflector system by a small scanning mirror. Using finiteelement models of antenna reflectors and structure, we evaluate thermal deformations and the resulting optical performance for 4 orbital environments and isothermal soak. We compare deformations with photogrammetric measurements made during wide-range (ambient+[-97,+75](white bullet) C) thermal soak tests of the primary in a chamber. This range exceeds predicted orbital soak ranges by large factors, implying in-orbit thermal stability of 0.21(mu)m rms/(white bullet)C, which meets SMLS requirements.

Atmospheric structure and helium abundance on Saturn from Cassini/UVIS and CIRS observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koskinen, T. T.; Guerlet, S.

2018-06-01

We combine measurements from stellar occultations observed by the Cassini Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) and limb scans observed by the Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) to create empirical atmospheric structure models for Saturn corresponding to the locations probed by the occultations. The results cover multiple locations at low to mid-latitudes between the spring of 2005 and the fall of 2015. We connect the temperature-pressure (T-P) profiles retrieved from the CIRS limb scans in the stratosphere to the T-P profiles in the thermosphere retrieved from the UVIS occultations. We calculate the altitudes corresponding to the pressure levels in each case based on our best fit composition model that includes H2, He, CH4 and upper limits on H. We match the altitude structure to the density profile in the thermosphere that is retrieved from the occultations. Our models depend on the abundance of helium and we derive a volume mixing ratio of 11 ± 2% for helium in the lower atmosphere based on a statistical analysis of the values derived for 32 different occultation locations. We also derive the mean temperature and methane profiles in the upper atmosphere and constrain their variability. Our results are consistent with enhanced heating at the polar auroral region and a dynamically active upper atmosphere.

Limb Correction of Individual Infrared Channels Used in RGB Composite Products

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Elmer, Nicholas J.; Berndt, Emily; Jedlovec, Gary J.; Lafontaine, Frank J.

2015-01-01

This study demonstrates that limb-cooling can be removed from infrared imagery using latitudinally and seasonally dependent limb correction coefficients, which account for an increasing optical path length as scan angle increases. Furthermore, limb-corrected RGB composites provide multiple advantages over uncorrected RGB composites, including increased confidence in the interpretation of RGB features, improved situation awareness for operational forecasters, seamless transition between overlaid RGB composites, easy comparison of RGB products from different sensors, and the availability of high quality proxy products for the GOES-R era, as demonstrated by the case examples presented in Section 3. This limb correction methodology can also be applied to additional infrared channels used to create other RGB products, including those created from other satellite sensors, such as Suomi NPP Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS).

Thromboembolic Complications after Zenith{sup ®} Low Profile Endovascular Graft for Infrarenal Abdominal Aneurysms

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Urlings, T. A. J., E-mail: t-urlings@hotmail.com; Vries, A. C. de, E-mail: a.de.vries@mchaaglanden.nl; Mol van Otterloo, J. C. A. de, E-mail: a.de.molvanotterloo@mchaaglanden.nl

2015-06-15

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to objectify and evaluate risk factors for thromboembolic complications after treatment with a Zenith{sup ®} Low Profile Endovascular Graft (Zenith LP). Results were compared with those in the recent literature on endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) and with the thromboembolic complications in the patient group treated with a Zenith Flex Endovascular Graft in our institute in the period before the use of the Zenith LP.Materials and MethodsAll consecutive patients who were suitable for treatment with a Zenith LP endograft between October 2010 and December 2011 were included. The preprocedural computed tomography scan (CT), procedural angiographicmore » images, and the postprocedural CT scans were evaluated for risk factors for and signs of thromboembolic complications. All patients treated between December 2007 and November 2012 with a Zenith Flex endograft were retrospectively evaluated for thromboembolic complications.ResultsIn the study period 17 patients were treated with a LP Zenith endograft. Limb occlusion occurred in 35 % of the patients. Limb occlusions occurred in 24 % of the limbs at risk (one limb occluded twice). In one patient two risk factors for limb occlusion were identified. Between December 2007 and November 2012, a total of 43 patients were treated with a Zenith Flex endograft. No limb occlusion or distal embolization occurred.ConclusionDespite that this was a small retrospective study, the Zenith LP endograft seems to be associated with more frequent thromboembolic complications compared with the known limb occlusion rates in the literature and those of the patients treated with a Zenith Flex endograft in our institute.« less

3D reconstruction of the structure of a residual limb for customising the design of a prosthetic socket.

PubMed

Shuxian, Zheng; Wanhua, Zhao; Bingheng, Lu

2005-01-01

Aiming at overcoming the limitations of the plaster-casting method in traditional prosthetic socket fabrication, the idea of reconstructing the 3D models for bones and skin of the residual limb is proposed. Given the two-dimensional obtained image through CT scanning, using image processing and reverse engineering techniques, the 3D solid model of the residual limb can be successfully reconstructed. The new approach can reproduce both the internal and the external structure of the residual limb. It can moreover avoid making a positive mould by the way of manual modifications. In addition to this, it can provide a scientific basis for the individualization of prosthetic socket design.

The influence of relative body breadth on the diaphyseal morphology of the human lower limb.

PubMed

Davies, Thomas G; Stock, Jay T

2014-01-01

Variation in relative body breadth between individuals is potentially a significant influence on the biomechanical loading placed upon the lower limb. This study investigates the influence of relative body breadth on the periosteal geometry of the diaphyses of the limb bones among individuals from a broad range of human populations. This study applies a 3D laser scanning approach to the extraction and analysis of periosteal cross-sectional properties throughout the diaphyses of the femur and tibia to test for influences of body shape on diaphyseal morphology throughout the lower limb. Analyses are based on data collected from seven populations, encompassing a broad range of modern human variation in body shape. Hypertrophy of the proximal end of the femur diaphysis in wider bodied individuals is observed and appears to extend at least as far as the femur midshaft, while the mid diaphyseal region of the tibia is the least influenced by body shape. However correlations with relative body breadth were also observed towards the distal end of the femur diaphysis and towards both ends of the tibial diaphysis, especially among females. Relative body breadth is correlated with the periosteal geometry of the lower limb bones, particularly towards the proximal end of the femur diaphysis, but correlations in other regions also suggest integration of the diaphyseal geometry with epiphyseal dimensions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The principles of management of congenital anomalies of the upper limb

PubMed Central

Watson, S.

2000-01-01

Management of congenital anomalies of the upper limb is reviewed with reference to classification and aetiology, incidence, diagnosis before birth, broad principles of treatment, timing of x rays and scans, functional aims, cosmetic appearance, counselling of parents, therapists, scars, skin grafts, growth, and timing of surgery. Notes on 11 congenital hand conditions are given.

 PMID:10868991

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite microwave limb sounder instrument

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barath, F. T.; Chavez, M. C.; Cofield, R. E.; Flower, D. A.; Frerking, M. A.; Gram, M. B.; Harris, W. M.; Holden, J. R.; Jarnot, R. F.; Kloezeman, W. G.

1993-01-01

The microwave limb sounder (MLS) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is the first satellite experiment using limb sounding techniques at microwave frequencies. Primary measurement objectives are stratospheric ClO, O3, H2O, temperature, and pressure. Measurements are of thermal emission: all are performed simultaneously and continuously and are not degraded by ice clouds or volcanic aerosols. The instrument has a 1.6-m mechanically scanning antenna system and contains heterodyne radiometers in spectral bands centred near 63, 183, and 205 GHz. The radiometers operate at ambient temperature and use Schottky-diode mixers with local oscillators derived from phase-locked Gunn oscillators. Frequency tripling by varactor multipliers generates the 183- and 205-GHz local oscillators, and quasi-optical techniques inject these into the mixers. Six 15-channel filter banks spectrally resolve stratospheric thermal emission lines and produce an output spectrum every 2 s. Thermal stability is sufficient for 'total power' measurements which do not require fast chopping. Radiometric calibration, consisting of measurements of cold space and an internal target, is performed every 65-s limb scan. Instrument in-orbit performance has been excellent, and all objectives are being met.

The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite microwave limb sounder instrument

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barath, F. T.; Chavez, M. C.; Cofield, R. E.; Flower, D. A.; Frerking, M. A.; Gram, M. B.; Harris, W. M.; Holden, J. R.; Jarnot, R. F.; Kloezeman, W. G.

1993-06-01

The microwave limb sounder (MLS) on the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) is the first satellite experiment using limb sounding techniques at microwave frequencies. Primary measurement objectives are stratospheric ClO, O3, H2O, temperature, and pressure. Measurements are of thermal emission: all are performed simultaneously and continuously and are not degraded by ice clouds or volcanic aerosols. The instrument has a 1.6-m mechanically scanning antenna system and contains heterodyne radiometers in spectral bands centred near 63, 183, and 205 GHz. The radiometers operate at ambient temperature and use Schottky-diode mixers with local oscillators derived from phase-locked Gunn oscillators. Frequency tripling by varactor multipliers generates the 183- and 205-GHz local oscillators, and quasi-optical techniques inject these into the mixers. Six 15-channel filter banks spectrally resolve stratospheric thermal emission lines and produce an output spectrum every 2 s. Thermal stability is sufficient for 'total power' measurements which do not require fast chopping. Radiometric calibration, consisting of measurements of cold space and an internal target, is performed every 65-s limb scan. Instrument in-orbit performance has been excellent, and all objectives are being met.

Validation of 2 noninvasive, markerless reconstruction techniques in biplane high-speed fluoroscopy for 3-dimensional research of bovine distal limb kinematics.

PubMed

Weiss, M; Reich, E; Grund, S; Mülling, C K W; Geiger, S M

2017-10-01

Lameness severely impairs cattle's locomotion, and it is among the most important threats to animal welfare, performance, and productivity in the modern dairy industry. However, insight into the pathological alterations of claw biomechanics leading to lameness and an understanding of the biomechanics behind development of claw lesions causing lameness are limited. Biplane high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography is a new approach for the analysis of skeletal motion. Biplane high-speed videos in combination with bone scans can be used for 3-dimensional (3D) animations of bones moving in 3D space. The gold standard, marker-based animation, requires implantation of radio-opaque markers into bones, which impairs the practicability for lameness research in live animals. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the comparative accuracy of 2 noninvasive, markerless animation techniques (semi-automatic and manual) in 3D animation of the bovine distal limb. Tantalum markers were implanted into each of the distal, middle, and proximal phalanges of 5 isolated bovine distal forelimbs, and biplane high-speed x-ray videos of each limb were recorded to capture the simulation of one step. The limbs were scanned by computed tomography to create bone models of the 6 digital bones, and 3D animation of the bones' movements were subsequently reconstructed using the marker-based, the semi-automatic, and the manual animation techniques. Manual animation translational bias and precision varied from 0.63 ± 0.26 mm to 0.80 ± 0.49 mm, and rotational bias and precision ranged from 2.41 ± 1.43° to 6.75 ± 4.67°. Semi-automatic translational values for bias and precision ranged from 1.26 ± 1.28 mm to 2.75 ± 2.17 mm, and rotational values varied from 3.81 ± 2.78° to 11.7 ± 8.11°. In our study, we demonstrated the successful application of biplane high-speed fluoroscopic kinematography to gait analysis of bovine distal limb. Using the manual animation technique, kinematics can be measured with sub-millimeter accuracy without the need for invasive marker implantation. Copyright © 2017 American Dairy Science Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated hexahedral mesh generation from biomedical image data: applications in limb prosthetics.

PubMed

Zachariah, S G; Sanders, J E; Turkiyyah, G M

1996-06-01

A general method to generate hexahedral meshes for finite element analysis of residual limbs and similar biomedical geometries is presented. The method utilizes skeleton-based subdivision of cross-sectional domains to produce simple subdomains in which structured meshes are easily generated. Application to a below-knee residual limb and external prosthetic socket is described. The residual limb was modeled as consisting of bones, soft tissue, and skin. The prosthetic socket model comprised a socket wall with an inner liner. The geometries of these structures were defined using axial cross-sectional contour data from X-ray computed tomography, optical scanning, and mechanical surface digitization. A tubular surface representation, using B-splines to define the directrix and generator, is shown to be convenient for definition of the structure geometries. Conversion of cross-sectional data to the compact tubular surface representation is direct, and the analytical representation simplifies geometric querying and numerical optimization within the mesh generation algorithms. The element meshes remain geometrically accurate since boundary nodes are constrained to lie on the tubular surfaces. Several element meshes of increasing mesh density were generated for two residual limbs and prosthetic sockets. Convergence testing demonstrated that approximately 19 elements are required along a circumference of the residual limb surface for a simple linear elastic model. A model with the fibula absent compared with the same geometry with the fibula present showed differences suggesting higher distal stresses in the absence of the fibula. Automated hexahedral mesh generation algorithms for sliced data represent an advancement in prosthetic stress analysis since they allow rapid modeling of any given residual limb and optimization of mesh parameters.

CRISM Limb Observations of Aerosols and Water Vapor

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, Michael D.; Wolff, M.J.; Clancy, R.T.; Seelos, F.; Murchie, S.L.

2009-01-01

Near-infrared spectra taken in a limb-viewing geometry by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) on-board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provide a useful tool for probing atmospheric structure. Here we describe preliminary work on the retrieval of vertical profiles of aerosols and water vapor from the CRISM limb observations. The first full set of CRISM limb observations was taken in July 2009, with subsequent limb observations planned once every two months. Each set of limb observations contains about four dozen scans across the limb giving pole-to-pole coverage for two orbits at roughly 100 and 290 W longitude. Radiative transfer modeling taking account of aerosol scattering in the limb-viewing geometry is used to model the observations. The retrievals show the height to which dust and water vapor extend and the location and height of water ice clouds. Results from the First set of CRISM limb observations (July 2009, Ls=300) show dust aerosol well-mixed to about three scale heights above the surface with thin water ice clouds above the dust near the equator and at mid-northern latitudes. Water vapor is concentrated at high southern latitudes.

Compact and Light-Weight Solar Spaceflight Instrument Designs Utilizing Newly Developed Miniature Free-Standing Zone Plates: EUV Radiometer and Limb-Scanning Monochromator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seely, J. F.; McMullin, D. R.; Bremer, J.; Chang, C.; Sakdinawat, A.; Jones, A. R.; Vest, R.

2014-12-01

Two solar instrument designs are presented that utilize newly developed miniature free-standing zone plates having interconnected Au opaque bars and no support membrane resulting in excellent long-term stability in space. Both instruments are based on a zone plate having 4 mm outer diameter and 1 to 2 degree field of view. The zone plate collects EUV radiation and focuses a narrow bandpass through a pinhole aperture and onto a silicon photodiode detector. As a miniature radiometer, EUV irradiance is accurately determined from the zone plate efficiency and the photodiode responsivity that are calibrated at the NIST SURF synchrotron facility. The EUV radiometer is pointed to the Sun and measures the absolute solar EUV irradiance in high time cadence suitable for solar physics and space weather applications. As a limb-scanning instrument in low earth orbit, a miniature zone-plate monochromator measures the extinction of solar EUV radiation by scattering through the upper atmosphere which is a measure of the variability of the ionosphere. Both instruments are compact and light-weight and are attractive for CubeSats and other missions where resources are extremely limited.

Concept and Design of a 3D Printed Support to Assist Hand Scanning for the Realization of Customized Orthosis.

PubMed

Baronio, Gabriele; Volonghi, Paola; Signoroni, Alberto

2017-01-01

In the rehabilitation field, the use of additive manufacturing techniques to realize customized orthoses is increasingly widespread. Obtaining a 3D model for the 3D printing phase can be done following different methodologies. We consider the creation of personalized upper limb orthoses, also including fingers, starting from the acquisition of the hand geometry through accurate 3D scanning. However, hand scanning procedure presents differences between healthy subjects and patients affected by pathologies that compromise upper limb functionality. In this work, we present the concept and design of a 3D printed support to assist hand scanning of such patients. The device, realized with FDM additive manufacturing techniques in ABS material, allows palmar acquisitions, and its design and test are motivated by the following needs: (1) immobilizing the hand of patients during the palmar scanning to reduce involuntary movements affecting the scanning quality and (2) keeping hands open and in a correct position, especially to contrast the high degree of hypertonicity of spastic subjects. The resulting device can be used indifferently for the right and the left hand; it is provided in four-dimensional sizes and may be also suitable as a palmar support for the acquisition of the dorsal side of the hand.

Concept and Design of a 3D Printed Support to Assist Hand Scanning for the Realization of Customized Orthosis

PubMed Central

Volonghi, Paola

2017-01-01

In the rehabilitation field, the use of additive manufacturing techniques to realize customized orthoses is increasingly widespread. Obtaining a 3D model for the 3D printing phase can be done following different methodologies. We consider the creation of personalized upper limb orthoses, also including fingers, starting from the acquisition of the hand geometry through accurate 3D scanning. However, hand scanning procedure presents differences between healthy subjects and patients affected by pathologies that compromise upper limb functionality. In this work, we present the concept and design of a 3D printed support to assist hand scanning of such patients. The device, realized with FDM additive manufacturing techniques in ABS material, allows palmar acquisitions, and its design and test are motivated by the following needs: (1) immobilizing the hand of patients during the palmar scanning to reduce involuntary movements affecting the scanning quality and (2) keeping hands open and in a correct position, especially to contrast the high degree of hypertonicity of spastic subjects. The resulting device can be used indifferently for the right and the left hand; it is provided in four-dimensional sizes and may be also suitable as a palmar support for the acquisition of the dorsal side of the hand. PMID:29234219

Hands-Off and Hands-On Casting Consistency of Amputee below Knee Sockets Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

PubMed Central

Rowe, Philip

2013-01-01

Residual limb shape capturing (Casting) consistency has a great influence on the quality of socket fit. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to establish a reliable reference grid for intercast and intracast shape and volume consistency of two common casting methods, Hands-off and Hands-on. Residual limbs were cast for twelve people with a unilateral below knee amputation and scanned twice for each casting concept. Subsequently, all four volume images of each amputee were semiautomatically segmented and registered to a common coordinate system using the tibia and then the shape and volume differences were calculated. The results show that both casting methods have intra cast volume consistency and there is no significant volume difference between the two methods. Inter- and intracast mean volume differences were not clinically significant based on the volume of one sock criteria. Neither the Hands-off nor the Hands-on method resulted in a consistent residual limb shape as the coefficient of variation of shape differences was high. The resultant shape of the residual limb in the Hands-off casting was variable but the differences were not clinically significant. For the Hands-on casting, shape differences were equal to the maximum acceptable limit for a poor socket fit. PMID:24348164

Hands-off and hands-on casting consistency of amputee below knee sockets using magnetic resonance imaging.

PubMed

Safari, Mohammad Reza; Rowe, Philip; McFadyen, Angus; Buis, Arjan

2013-01-01

Residual limb shape capturing (Casting) consistency has a great influence on the quality of socket fit. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to establish a reliable reference grid for intercast and intracast shape and volume consistency of two common casting methods, Hands-off and Hands-on. Residual limbs were cast for twelve people with a unilateral below knee amputation and scanned twice for each casting concept. Subsequently, all four volume images of each amputee were semiautomatically segmented and registered to a common coordinate system using the tibia and then the shape and volume differences were calculated. The results show that both casting methods have intra cast volume consistency and there is no significant volume difference between the two methods. Inter- and intracast mean volume differences were not clinically significant based on the volume of one sock criteria. Neither the Hands-off nor the Hands-on method resulted in a consistent residual limb shape as the coefficient of variation of shape differences was high. The resultant shape of the residual limb in the Hands-off casting was variable but the differences were not clinically significant. For the Hands-on casting, shape differences were equal to the maximum acceptable limit for a poor socket fit.

Comparison of stratospheric NO2 profiles above Kiruna, Sweden retrieved from ground-based zenith sky DOAS measurements, SAOZ balloon measurements and SCIAMACHY limb observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gu, Myojeong; Enell, Carl-Fredrik; Hendrick, François; Pukite, Janis; Van Roozendael, Michel; Platt, Ulrich; Raffalski, Uwe; Wagner, Thomas

2015-04-01

Stratospheric NO2 not only destroys ozone but acts as a buffer against halogen catalyzed ozone loss by converting halogen species into stable nitrates. These two roles of stratospheric NO2 depend on the altitude. Hence, the objective of this study is to investigate the vertical distribution of stratospheric NO2. We compare the NO2 profiles derived from the zenith sky DOAS with those obtained from, SAOZ balloon measurements and satellite limb observations. Vertical profiles of stratospheric NO2 are retrieved from ground-based zenith sky DOAS observations operated at Kiruna, Sweden (68.84°N, 20.41°E) since 1996. To determine the profile of stratospheric NO2 measured from ground-based zenith sky DOAS, we apply the Optimal Estimation Method (OEM) to retrieval of vertical profiles of stratospheric NO2 which has been developed by IASB-BIRA. The basic principle behind this profiling approach is the dependence of the mean scattering height on solar zenith angle (SZA). We compare the retrieved profiles to two additional datasets of stratospheric NO2 profile. The first one is derived from satellite limb observations by SCIAMACHY (Scanning Imaging Absorption spectrometer for Atmospheric CHartographY) on EnviSAT. The second is derived from the SAOZ balloon measurements (using a UV/Visible spectrometer) performed at Kiruna in Sweden.

Successful treatment of pain in melorheostosis with zoledronate, with improvement on bone scintigraphy.

PubMed

Slimani, Samy; Nezzar, Adlen; Makhloufi, Hachemi

2013-06-21

Melorheostosis is a very rare sclerosing bone disorder that involves frequently one limb. It may be asymptomatic, but pain and limb deformity may occur and can be very debilitating. Different reports have indicated efficacy of bisphosphonates (pamidronate and etidronate) on symptoms. We report an adult patient with a very painful melorheostosis, who  improved after treatment with zoledronate, either on symptoms or on bone scans.

Vertical Distribution of Aerosols and Water Vapor Using CRISM Limb Observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, M. D.; Wolff, M. J.; Clancy, R. T.; CRISM Science; Operations Teams

2011-12-01

Near-infrared spectra taken in a limb-viewing geometry by the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars (CRISM) on-board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) provide a useful tool for probing atmospheric structure. Specifically, the observed radiance as a function of wavelength and height above the limb allows the vertical distribution of both dust and ice aerosols to be retrieved. These data serve as an important supplement to the aerosol profiling provided by the MRO/MCS instrument allowing independent validation and giving additional information on particle physical and scattering properties through multi-wavelength studies. A total of at least ten CRISM limb observations have been taken so far covering a full Martian year. Each set of limb observations nominally contains about four dozen scans across the limb giving pole-to-pole coverage for two orbits at roughly 100 and 290 W longitude over the Tharsis and Syrtis/Hellas regions, respectively. At each longitude, limb scans are spaced roughly 10 degrees apart in latitude, with a vertical spatial resolution on the limb of roughly 800 m. Radiative transfer modeling is used to model the observations. We compute synthetic CRISM limb spectra using a discrete-ordinates radiative transfer code that accounts for multiple scattering from aerosols and accounts for spherical geometry of the limb observations by integrating the source functions along curved paths in that coordinate system. Retrieved are 14-point vertical profiles for dust and water ice aerosols with resolution of 0.4 scale heights between one and six scale heights above the surface. After the aerosol retrieval is completed, the abundances of CO2 (or surface pressure) and H2O gas are retrieved by matching the depth of absorption bands at 2000 nm for carbon dioxide and at 2600 nm for water vapor. In addition to the column abundance of water vapor, limited information on its vertical structure can also be retrieved depending on the signal available from aerosol scattering. Significant differences are seen in the retrieved vertical profiles of dust and water ice as a function of season. Dust typically extends to higher altitudes during the perihelion season. Ice aerosols are often observed to cap the dust layer during all seasons. Water vapor is observed to be deeply mixed in the perihelion season and confined near the surface in the aphelion season. The CRISM limb-geometry observations support the quantitative retrieval of aerosol and gas vertical profiles. These quantities cannot be retrieved using nadir observations, and they enable the study of important new science questions. The CRISM limbs also serve as a valuable supplement to the MRO/MCS limb profiles, enabling validation and multi-wavelength comparisons. Additional CRISM limb-geometry sets will continue to be taken approximately every two months (~30 degrees of Ls) as operations allow.

An ultrasonic methodology for muscle cross section measurement of support space flight

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatfield, Thomas R.; Klaus, David M.; Simske, Steven J.

2004-09-01

The number one priority for any manned space mission is the health and safety of its crew. The study of the short and long term physiological effects on humans is paramount to ensuring crew health and mission success. One of the challenges associated in studying the physiological effects of space flight on humans, such as loss of bone and muscle mass, has been that of readily attaining the data needed to characterize the changes. The small sampling size of astronauts, together with the fact that most physiological data collection tends to be rather tedious, continues to hinder elucidation of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the observed changes that occur in space. Better characterization of the muscle loss experienced by astronauts requires that new technologies be implemented. To this end, we have begun to validate a 360° ultrasonic scanning methodology for muscle measurements and have performed empirical sampling of a limb surrogate for comparison. Ultrasonic wave propagation was simulated using 144 stations of rotated arm and calf MRI images. These simulations were intended to provide a preliminary check of the scanning methodology and data analysis before its implementation with hardware. Pulse-echo waveforms were processed for each rotation station to characterize fat, muscle, bone, and limb boundary interfaces. The percentage error between MRI reference values and calculated muscle areas, as determined from reflection points for calf and arm cross sections, was -2.179% and +2.129%, respectively. These successful simulations suggest that ultrasound pulse scanning can be used to effectively determine limb cross-sectional areas. Cross-sectional images of a limb surrogate were then used to simulate signal measurements at several rotation angles, with ultrasonic pulse-echo sampling performed experimentally at the same stations on the actual limb surrogate to corroborate the results. The objective of the surrogate sampling was to compare the signal output of the simulation tool used as a methodology validation for actual tissue signals. The disturbance patterns of the simulated and sampled waveforms were consistent. Although only discussed as a small part of the work presented, the sampling portion also helped identify important considerations such as tissue compression and transducer positioning for future work involving tissue scanning with this methodology.

The Retrieval of Ozone Profiles from Limb Scatter Measurements: Results from the Shuttle Ozone Limb Sounding Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McPeters, Richard D.; Janz, Scott J.; Hilsenrath, Ernest; Brown, Tammy L.; Flittner, David E.; Heath, Donald F.

1999-01-01

Two instruments were flown on shuttle flight STS-87 to test a new technique for inferring the ozone vertical profile using measurements of scattered sunlight from the Earth's limb. The instruments were an ultraviolet imaging spectrometer designed to measure ozone between 30 and 50 km, and a multi-filter imaging photometer that uses 600 nm radiances to measure ozone between 15 km and 35 km. Two orbits of limb data were obtained on December 2, 1997. For the scans analyzed the ozone profile was measured from 15 km to 50 km with approximately 3 km vertical resolution. Comparisons with a profile from an ozonesonde launched from Ascension Island showed agreement mostly within +/- 5%. The tropopause at 15 km was clearly detected.

Successful treatment of pain in melorheostosis with zoledronate, with improvement on bone scintigraphy

PubMed Central

Slimani, Samy; Nezzar, Adlen; Makhloufi, Hachemi

2013-01-01

Melorheostosis is a very rare sclerosing bone disorder that involves frequently one limb. It may be asymptomatic, but pain and limb deformity may occur and can be very debilitating. Different reports have indicated efficacy of bisphosphonates (pamidronate and etidronate) on symptoms. We report an adult patient with a very painful melorheostosis, who  improved after treatment with zoledronate, either on symptoms or on bone scans. PMID:23813581

Infrared radiometer for the Pioneer Venus orbiter. I - Instrument description

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taylor, F. W.; Vescelus, F. E.; Locke, J. R.; Beer, R.; Foster, G. T.; Forney, P. B.; Houghton, J. T.; Delderfield, J.; Schofield, J. T.

1979-01-01

A ten-channel IR radiometer for the Pioneer Venus orbiter is described. The experimental techniques used and the design of the instrumentation by which they were implemented are considered. Emphasis is placed on temperature sounding, limb sounding, limb darkening, zenith scanning, cloud top temperature, spectral albedo and water vapor measurements. Instrumentation description is also given including optics, detectors, and electronics. Attention is given to data acquisition and handling, calibration, and in-flight performance.

Extending radiative transfer models by use of Bayes rule. [in atmospheric science

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whitney, C.

1977-01-01

This paper presents a procedure that extends some existing radiative transfer modeling techniques to problems in atmospheric science where curvature and layering of the medium and dynamic range and angular resolution of the signal are important. Example problems include twilight and limb scan simulations. Techniques that are extended include successive orders of scattering, matrix operator, doubling, Gauss-Seidel iteration, discrete ordinates and spherical harmonics. The procedure for extending them is based on Bayes' rule from probability theory.

Study of a Vuilleumier cycle cryogenic refrigerator for detector cooling on the limb scanning infrared radiometer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russo, S. C.

1976-01-01

A program to detect and monitor the presence of trace constituents in the earth's atmosphere by using the Limb Scanning Infrared Radiometer (LSIR) is reported. The LSIR, which makes radiometric measurements of the earth's limb radiance profile from a space platform, contains a detector assembly that must be cooled to a temperature of 65 + or - 2 K. The feasibility of cooling the NASA-type detector package with Vuilleumier (VM) cryogenic refrigerator was investigated to develop a preliminary conceptual design of a VM refrigerator that is compatible with a flight-type LSIR instrument. The scope of the LSIR program consists of analytical and design work to establish the size, weight, power consumption, interface requirements, and other important characteristics of a cryogenic cooler that would meet the requirements of the LSIR. The cryogenic cooling requirements under the conditions that NASA specified were defined. Following this, a parametric performance analysis was performed to define the interrelationships between refrigeration characteristics and mission requirements. This effort led to the selection of an optimum refrigerator design for the LSIR mission.

[Doppler study of gluteal arteries. A useful tool for excluding gluteal arterial pathology snd an important adjunct to lower limb Doppler studies].

PubMed

Bruninx, G; Salame, H; Wery, D; Delcour, C

2002-02-01

1) To determine the negative predictive value (VPN) of duplex scan in patients complaining of buttock or hip pain and thereby to distinguish vascular claudication from other musculoskeletal or neurological diseases. 2) To show its complementarity in doppler investigation of lower limb arteries. Prospective study by duplex scan and arteriography of 60 gluteal arteries in 30 consecutive patients referred to check up for lower limb arteriopathy or sexual impotence. Duplex scan was performed by posterior approach. Correlation between doppler ultrasound and arteriography was studied. The study of normal arteries was possible in all cases and only one normal gluteal artery could not be detected in a diabetic overweight patient. On 60 arteries, sensitivity of duplex was 100 percent, specificity 96 percent and VPN 100 percent. Significant obstructive lesions were always associated with pathological velocimetric waveform or were not detected. Buttock claudication can appear like a typical vascular claudication or mimic neurological or musculoskeletal diseases. It is very useful to rule out a vascular causality responsible for buttock or hip pain by simple, non-invasive and cheap exploration. A normal doppler ultrasound of gluteal arteries can rule out vascular disease responsible for buttock or hip pain thereby avoiding arteriography. The strategy of diagnostic or therapy can be modified by such additional information as shown in two case reports.

Intercomparison of daytime stratospheric NO2 satellite retrievals and model simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belmonte Rivas, M.; Veefkind, P.; Boersma, F.; Levelt, P.; Eskes, H.; Gille, J.

2014-07-01

This paper evaluates the agreement between stratospheric NO2 retrievals from infrared limb sounders (Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) and High Resolution Dynamics Limb Sounder (HIRDLS)) and solar UV/VIS backscatter sensors (Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), Scanning Imaging Absorption Spectrometer for Atmospheric Cartography (SCIAMACHY) limb and nadir) over the 2005-2007 period and across the seasons. The observational agreement is contrasted with the representation of NO2 profiles in 3-D chemical transport models such as the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) and TM4. A conclusion central to this work is that the definition of a reference for stratospheric NO2 columns formed by consistent agreement among SCIAMACHY, MIPAS and HIRDLS limb records (all of which agree to within 0.25 × 1015 molecules cm-2 or better than 10%) allows us to draw attention to relative errors in other data sets, e.g., (1) WACCM overestimates NO2 densities in the extratropical lower stratosphere, particularly in the springtime and over northern latitudes by up to 35% relative to limb observations, and (2) there are remarkable discrepancies between stratospheric NO2 column estimates from limb and nadir techniques, with a characteristic seasonally and latitudinally dependent pattern. We find that SCIAMACHY nadir and OMI stratospheric columns show overall biases of -0.5 × 1015 molecules cm-2 (-20%) and +0.6 × 1015 molecules cm-2 (+20%) relative to limb observations, respectively. It is argued that additive biases in nadir stratospheric columns are not expected to affect tropospheric retrievals significantly, and that they can be attributed to errors in the total slant column density, related either to algorithmic or instrumental effects. In order to obtain accurate and long-term time series of stratospheric NO2, an effort towards the harmonization of currently used differential optical absorption spectroscopy (DOAS) approaches to nadir retrievals becomes essential, as well as their agreement to limb and ground-based observations, particularly now that limb techniques are giving way to nadir observations as the next generation of climate and air quality monitoring instruments pushes forth.

Three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography for anterolateral thigh flap outlining: A retrospective case series of 68 patients.

PubMed

Jiang, Chunjing; Lin, Ping; Fu, Xiaoyan; Shu, Jiner; Li, Huimin; Hu, Xiaogang; He, Jianrong; Ding, Mingxing

2016-08-01

Flap transfer is increasingly used for repairing limb defects secondary to trauma or tumor, and appropriate preoperative planning plays a critical role. The present study aimed to examine the use of three-dimensional (3D) contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) in evaluating the blood supply distribution and perforating branch pattern of anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps. Bilateral donor lower limbs were scanned in 68 patients (136 limbs) using a Siemens Avanto 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging scanner with a 3D fast low-angle shot sequence, following the thin-slab maximum intensity projection (TS-MIP) technique. The lateral femoral circumflex artery (LFCA) was visualized in all patients: 101 limbs (101/136, 74.3%) were type I; 20 limbs (20/136, 14.7%) were type II; 3 limbs (3/136, 2.2%) were type III; and 12 limbs (12/136, 8.8%) were type IV. Tertiary branches were identified in 94 limbs (94/136, 69.1%). Donor flaps were outlined according to MRA TS-MIP findings in 4 patients. All flaps survived uneventfully following the transfer. In donor flap outlining, 3D CE-MRA with the TS-MIP technique allowed an accurate, direct visualization of the branching pattern and distribution profile of the LFCA supplying the ALT flap.

Error analysis applied to several inversion techniques used for the retrieval of middle atmospheric constituents from limb-scanning MM-wave spectroscopic measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Puliafito, E.; Bevilacqua, R.; Olivero, J.; Degenhardt, W.

1992-01-01

The formal retrieval error analysis of Rodgers (1990) allows the quantitative determination of such retrieval properties as measurement error sensitivity, resolution, and inversion bias. This technique was applied to five numerical inversion techniques and two nonlinear iterative techniques used for the retrieval of middle atmospheric constituent concentrations from limb-scanning millimeter-wave spectroscopic measurements. It is found that the iterative methods have better vertical resolution, but are slightly more sensitive to measurement error than constrained matrix methods. The iterative methods converge to the exact solution, whereas two of the matrix methods under consideration have an explicit constraint, the sensitivity of the solution to the a priori profile. Tradeoffs of these retrieval characteristics are presented.

Topographical Anatomy of the Distal Ulna Attachment of the Radioulnar Ligament.

PubMed

Shin, Won-Jeong; Kim, Jong-Pil; Yang, Hun-Mu; Lee, Eun-Young; Go, Jai-Hyang; Heo, Kang

2017-07-01

The deep component of the distal radioulnar ligament provides translational stability and rotational guidance to the forearm. However, controversy exists regarding the importance of this structure as well as the nature of its attachment to the distal ulna. We aimed to evaluate the topographic anatomy of the distal ulna attachment of both the superficial and the deep components of the radioulnar ligament and to assess the relationship between its internal and its external morphometry. Thirteen human distal ulnae attached by ulnar part of the distal radioulnar ligament were scanned using micro-computed tomography and reconstructed in 3 dimensions. In addition, the distal radioulnar ligaments were examined under polarized light microscopy to determine the histological characteristics of collagen contained within the ligaments. The deep limbs have broad marginal insertions at the fovea, whereas the superficial limbs have a circular and condensed insertion to the ulnar styloid. The center of the deep limb was separated from the base of the ulnar styloid by a mean of 2.0 ± 0.76 mm, and this distance was positively correlated with the width of the ulnar styloid. The mean distance between the center of the ulnar head and the center of the fovea was 2.4 ± 0.58 mm. The proportion of collagen type I was lower in the deep limb than in the superficial limb. This new observation of the footprint of the radioulnar ligament in the distal ulna indicates that the deep limb may serve as an internal capsular ligament of the distal radioulnar joint, whereas the superficial limb as the external ligament. Knowledge of the topographic anatomy of the radioulnar ligament's attachment to the distal ulna may provide a better understanding of distal radioulnar ligament-related pathologies. Copyright © 2017 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The mechanisms of the SAMS experiment flown on Nimbus 7 with particular reference to the 2 axis scanning mirror. [infrared radiometer for stratospheric and mesospheric investigations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hadley, H.

1980-01-01

The stratospheric and mesospheric sounder (SAMS) experiment on Nimbus 7 includes a 2 axis scanning mirror and 7 pressure modulator cells. The SAMS experiment is a limb sounding instrument to measure the temperature profile and minor constituents of the atmosphere. The limb scan requires small mirror steps over a 3 deg range, while the scan in azimuth is in larger steps over a 15 deg range. The mirror is plane, 20 cm in diameter, and of zero expansion glass-ceramic. It is supported on two tilt tables, fitted one on the other, with the axes at right angles. The angle of tilt is adjusted by means of recirculating ball screws which are ion plated with lead for lubrication and driven by stepper motors. The seven gas filled cells are each pressure modulated by a 3 cm diameter, 0.3 cm stroke piston which is supported by diaphragm springs and driven electromagnetically at the system's mechanical resonant frequency. The mean pressure of the filling gas, which is the atmospheric constituent being measured, is changed by varying the temperature of a suitable molecular sieve.

Ontogeny and function of the fifth limb in Cypridocopain ostracods.

PubMed

Kaji, Tomonari

2010-08-01

The exoskeleton of arthropods undergoes reformation at every molting. Accordingly, external morphology can metamorphose through molting. In some crustaceans, the function of appendages is modified through ontogeny. These morphological modifications require accordant modification of the correlation between different body parts because the morphological function depends on the combined correlation between different parts. In the case of crustacean morphology, exoskeleton and muscles are correlated to each other. The functional morphology of the fifth limb of cypridoid ostracods transforms from "walking leg + mouthparts (+ possibly respiratory parts)" to "mouthparts + respiratory parts + grasping hook (in males only)" through ontogeny. In this study, the three-dimensional structures of the exoskeleton and muscular systems were observed by confocal laser-scanning microscopy in some species of suborder Cypridocopina. The muscular system is reportedly not changed by the ontogeny of appendages in females, but it does change in males. Furthermore, regional cell proliferation, which was detected previously, represented the causal factor of exoskeletal modification. I therefore conclude that the enlarged endite in the female fifth limb is produced by exoskeletal modification based on regional cell proliferation, rather than by a change in the muscular system. In contrast, modification in the male requires a change in the muscular system in addition to exoskeletal modification.

Expedited CT-Based Methods for Evaluating Fracture Severity to Assess Risk of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis After Articular Fractures.

PubMed

Anderson, Donald D; Kilburg, Anthony T; Thomas, Thaddeus P; Marsh, J Lawrence

2016-01-01

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is common after intra-articular fractures of the tibial plafond. An objective CT-based measure of fracture severity was previously found to reliably predict whether PTOA developed following surgical treatment of such fractures. However, the extended time required obtaining the fracture energy metric and its reliance upon an intact contralateral limb CT limited its clinical applicability. The objective of this study was to establish an expedited fracture severity metric that provided comparable PTOA predictive ability without the prior limitations. An expedited fracture severity metric was computed from the CT scans of 30 tibial plafond fractures using textural analysis to quantify disorder in CT images. The expedited method utilized an intact surrogate model to enable severity assessment without requiring a contralateral limb CT. Agreement between the expedited fracture severity metric and the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) radiographic OA score at two-year follow-up was assessed using concordance. The ability of the metric to differentiate between patients that did or did not develop PTOA was assessed using the Wilcoxon Ranked Sum test. The expedited severity metric agreed well (75.2% concordance) with the KL scores. The initial fracture severity of cases that developed PTOA differed significantly (p = 0.004) from those that did not. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the expedited severity metric could accurately predict PTOA outcome in 80% of the cases. The time required to obtain the expedited severity metric averaged 14.9 minutes/ case, and the metric was obtained without using an intact contralateral CT. The expedited CT-based methods for fracture severity assessment present a solution to issues limiting the utility of prior methods. In a relatively short amount of time, the expedited methodology provided a severity score capable of predicting PTOA risk, without needing to have the intact contralateral limb included in the CT scan. The described methods provide surgeons an objective, quantitative representation of the severity of a fracture. Obtained prior to the surgery, it provides a reasonable alternative to current subjective classification systems. The expedited severity metric offers surgeons an objective means for factoring severity of joint insult into treatment decision-making.

Efficacy of duplex ultrasound surveillance after infrainguinal vein bypass may be enhanced by identification of characteristics predictive of graft stenosis development.

PubMed

Tinder, Chelsey N; Chavanpun, Joe P; Bandyk, Dennis F; Armstrong, Paul A; Back, Martin R; Johnson, Brad L; Shames, Murray L

2008-09-01

Controversy regarding the efficacy of duplex ultrasound surveillance after infrainguinal vein bypass led to an analysis of patient and bypass graft characteristics predictive for development of graft stenosis and a decision of secondary intervention. Retrospective analysis of a contemporary, consecutive series of 353 clinically successful infrainguinal vein bypasses performed in 329 patients for critical (n = 284; 80%) or noncritical (n = 69; 20%) limb ischemia enrolled in a surveillance program to identify and repair duplex-detected graft stenosis. Variables correlated with graft stenosis and bypass repair included: procedure indication, conduit type (saphenous vs nonsaphenous vein; reversed vs nonreversed orientation), prior bypass graft failure, postoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI) < 0.85, and interpretation of the first duplex surveillance study as "normal" or "abnormal" based on peak systolic velocity (PSV) and velocity ratio (Vr) criteria. Overall, 126 (36%) of the 353 infrainguinal bypasses had 174 secondary interventions (endovascular, 100; surgery, 74) based on duplex surveillance; resulting in 3-year Kaplan-Meier primary (46%), assisted-primary (80%), and secondary (81%) patency rates. Characteristics predictive of duplex-detected stenosis leading to intervention (PSV: 443 +/- 94 cm/s; Vr: 8.6 +/- 9) were: "abnormal" initial duplex testing indicating moderate (PSV: 180-300 cm/s, Vr: 2-3.5) stenosis (P < .0001), non-single segment saphenous vein conduit (P < .01), warfarin drug therapy (P < .01), and redo bypass grafting (P < .001). Procedure indication, postoperative ABI level, statin drug therapy, and vein conduit orientation were not predictive of graft revision. The natural history of 141 (40%) bypasses with an abnormal first duplex scan differed from "normal" grafts by more frequent (51% vs 24%, P < .001) and earlier (7 months vs 11 months) graft revision for severe stenosis and a lower 3-year assisted primary patency (68% vs 87%; P < .001). In 52 (15%) limbs, the bypass graft failed and 20 (6%) limbs required amputation. The efficacy of duplex surveillance after infrainguinal vein bypass may be enhanced by modifying testing protocols, eg, rigorous surveillance for "higher risk" bypasses, based on the initial duplex scan results and other characteristics (warfarin therapy, non- single segment saphenous vein conduit, redo bypass) predictive for stenosis development.

Finite element analysis of pedestrian lower limb fractures by direct force: the result of being run over or impact?

PubMed

Li, Zhengdong; Zou, Donghua; Liu, Ningguo; Zhong, Liangwei; Shao, Yu; Wan, Lei; Huang, Ping; Chen, Yijiu

2013-06-10

The elucidation and prediction of the biomechanics of lower limb fractures could serve as a useful tool in forensic practices. Finite element (FE) analysis could potentially help in the understanding of the fracture mechanisms of lower limb fractures frequently caused by car-pedestrian accidents. Our aim was (1) to develop and validate a FE model of the human lower limb, (2) to assess the biomechanics of specific injuries concerning run-over and impact loading conditions, and (3) to reconstruct one real car-pedestrian collision case using the model created in this study. We developed a novel lower limb FE model and simulated three different loading scenarios. The geometry of the model was reconstructed using Mimics 13.0 based on computed tomography (CT) scans from an actual traffic accident. The material properties were based upon a synthesis of data found in published literature. The FE model validation and injury reconstruction were conducted using the LS-DYNA code. The FE model was validated by a comparison of the simulation results of three-point bending, overall lateral impact tests and published postmortem human surrogate (PMHS) results. Simulated loading scenarios of running-over the thigh with a wheel, the impact on the upper leg, and impact on the lower thigh were conducted with velocities of 10 m/s, 20 m/s, and 40 m/s, respectively. We compared the injuries resulting from one actual case with the simulated results in order to explore the possible fracture bio-mechanism. The peak fracture forces, maximum bending moments, and energy lost ratio exhibited no significant differences between the FE simulations and the literature data. Under simulated run-over conditions, the segmental fracture pattern was formed and the femur fracture patterns and mechanisms were consistent with the actual injury features of the case. Our study demonstrated that this simulation method could potentially be effective in identifying forensic cases and exploring of the injury mechanisms of lower limb fractures encountered due to inflicted lesions. This model can also help to distinguish between possible and impossible scenarios. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Global abnormalities in lymphatic function following systemic therapy in patients with breast cancer.

PubMed

Bains, S K; Peters, A M; Zammit, C; Ryan, N; Ballinger, J; Glass, D M; Allen, S; Stanton, A W B; Mortimer, P S; Purushotham, A D

2015-04-01

Breast cancer-related lymphoedema (BCRL) is a result of interaction between several pathophysiological processes, and is not simply a 'stopcock' effect resulting from removal of axillary lymph nodes. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there is a constitutional 'global' lymphatic dysfunction in patients who develop BCRL. Lower-limb lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 30 women who had undergone axillary lymph node dissection at least 3 years previously, of whom 15 had BCRL and 15 did not. No patient had any clinical abnormality of the lower limb. The control group comprised 24 women with no history of cancer or lower-limb lymphoedema. (99m) Tc-Nanocoll was injected subcutaneously into the first webspace of each foot, followed by whole-body imaging. Scans were reported as abnormal if there was delay in lymph transport or rerouting through skin or deep system. Quantification was expressed as the percentage injected activity accumulating in ilioinguinal nodes. Mean(s.d.) ilioinguinal nodal accumulation at 150 min was significantly lower in women with BCRL than in those without (2·7(2·5) versus 5·9(4·8) per cent respectively; P = 0·006). Abnormal findings on lower-limb lymphoscintigraphy were observed in 17 of the 30 patients: ten of the 15 women who had BCRL and seven of the 15 who did not. None of the 24 control subjects had abnormal scan findings. Women with BCRL had reduced lower-limb lymph drainage, supporting the hypothesis of a predisposition to BCRL. A surprisingly high proportion of patients with breast cancer also demonstrated lymphatic dysfunction, despite clinically normal lower limbs. Possible explanations could be a systemic effect of breast cancer or its treatment, or an unidentified association between breast cancer and lymphatic dysfunction. ISRCTN84866416 ( http://www.isrctn.com). © 2015 BJS Society Ltd Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Latitudinal variation of the solar limb-darkening function

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kroll, Ronald J.

1994-06-01

In an effort to monitor solar limb-darkening variability, the continuum radiation intensity at 550 nm over the outermost 32 arcseconds of the limb is measured at various solar latitudes. Using the Finite Fourier Transform Definition, the edge location of the Sun is determined for a series of scan amplitudes at each of the observed positions. The differential radius is the difference between edge locations for a fixed pair of scan amplitudes, and is a quantity which characterizes the slope of the solar limb-darkening function. Utilizing the differential radius, such observations offer the possibility of revealing a latitudinal variation of the photospheric temperature gradient and could provide clues to the mechanisms and variability of energy transport out of the Sun. These observations began in 1988 with measurements at 24 separate limb positions and include observations since 1990 when 36 positions were observed. The daily differential radius measurements for each position that is free of contamination from solar active regions are weighted according to the corresponding daily variance and averaged to obtain an overall value at each position for the observing season. The results indicate that during the 1991 observing season, there were regions near 20 deg N latitude and 30 deg S latitude on the Sun where the differential radius values were significantly greater than surrounding regions. This suggests that perturbations to the temperature gradient occur in latitudinally localized regions and persist for at least several months. It is shown that this phenomenon could have the same origin as the observed latitudinal variations of surface temperature and could also speak to the question of a lag time between the cycles of irradiation and magnetic variation.

Thermal Stability of a 4 Meter Primary Reflector for the Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cofield, Richard E.; Kasl, Eldon P.

2011-01-01

The Scanning Microwave Limb Sounder (SMLS) is a space-borne heterodyne radiometer which will measure pressure, temperature and atmospheric constituents from thermal emission in [180,680] GHz. SMLS, planned for the NRC Decadal Survey's Global Atmospheric Composition Mission, uses a novel toric Cassegrain antenna to perform both elevation and azimuth scanning. This provides better horizontal and temporal resolution and coverage than were possible with elevation-only scanning in the two previous MLS satellite instruments. SMLS is diffraction-limited in the vertical plane but highly astigmatic in the horizontal (beam aspect ratio approx. 1:20). Nadir symmetry ensures that beam shape is nearly invariant over plus or minus 65 deg azimuth. A low-noise receiver FOV is swept over the reflector system by a small azimuth-scanning mirror. We describe the fabrication and thermal-stability test of a composite demonstration primary reflector, having full 4m height and 1/3 the width planned for flight. Using finite-element models of reflectors and structure, we evaluate thermal deformations and optical performance for 4 orbital environments and isothermal soak. We compare deformations with photogrammetric measurements made during soak tests in a chamber. The test temperature range exceeds predicted orbital ranges by large factors, implying in-orbit thermal stability of 0.21 micron rms (root mean square)/C, which meets SMLS requirements.

Anthropometric correlations between parts of the upper and lower limb: models for personal identification in a Sudanese population.

PubMed

Ahmed, Altayeb Abdalla

2016-09-01

Identification of a deceased individual is an essential component of medicolegal practice. However, personal identification based on commingled limbs or parts of limbs, necessary in investigations of mass disasters or some crimes, is a difficult task. Limb measurements have been utilized in the development of biological parameters for personal identification, but the possibility to estimate the dimensions of parts of limbs other than hands and feet has not been assessed. The present study proposes an approach to estimate the dimensions of various parts of limbs based on other limb measurements. The study included 320 Sudanese adults, with equal representation of men and women. Nine limb dimensions were measured (five based on the upper limb, four based on the lower limb), and extensive statistical analysis of the distribution of values was performed. The results showed that all of the measured dimensions were sexually dimorphic and that there was a significant positive correlation between the dimensions of various parts of limbs. Regression models (direct and stepwise) were developed to estimate the dimensions of parts of limbs based on measurements pertaining to one or more other parts of limbs. The study revealed that the dimensions of parts of the upper and lower limb can be estimated from one another. These findings can be used in medicolegal practice and extended to constructive surgery, orthopedics, and prosthesis design for lost limbs.

On Orbit Commissioning of the Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder (EOS MLS) On the Aura Spacecraft

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lay, Richard R.; Lee, Karen A.; Holden, James R.; Oswald, John E.; Jarnot, Robert F.; Pickett, Herbert M.; Stek, Paul C.; Cofield, Richard E., III; Flower, Dennis A.; Schwartz, Michael J.;

Robotic exoskeleton assessment of transient ischemic attack.

PubMed

Simmatis, Leif; Krett, Jonathan; Scott, Stephen H; Jin, Albert Y

2017-01-01

We used a robotic exoskeleton to quantify specific patterns of abnormal upper limb motor behaviour in people who have had transient ischemic attack (TIA). A cohort of people with TIA was recruited within two weeks of symptom onset. All individuals completed a robotic-based assessment of 8 behavioural tasks related to upper limb motor and proprioceptive function, as well as cognitive function. Robotic task performance was compared to a large cohort of controls without neurological impairments corrected for the influence of age. Impairment in people with TIA was defined as performance below the 5th percentile of controls. Participants with TIA were also assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA) of the arm, the Behavioural Inattention Test (BIT), the Purdue pegboard test (PPB), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Age-related white matter change (ARWMC), prior infarction and cella-media index (CMI) were assessed from baseline CT scan that was performed within 24 hours of TIA. Acute infarction was assessed from diffusion-weighted imaging in a subset of people with TIA. Twenty-two people with TIA were assessed. Robotic assessment showed impaired upper limb motor function in 7/22 people with TIA patients and upper limb sensory impairment in 4/22 individuals. Cognitive tasks involving robotic assessment of the upper limb were completed in 13 participants, of whom 8 (61.5%) showed significant impairment. Abnormal performance in the CMSA arm inventory was present in 12/22 (54.5%) participants. ARWMC was 11.8 ± 6.4 and CMI was 5.4 ± 1.5. DWI was positive in 0 participants. Quantitative robotic assessment showed that people who have had a TIA display a spectrum of upper limb motor and sensory performance deficits as well as cognitive function deficits despite resolution of symptoms and no evidence of tissue infarction.

Correlation of Meniscal T2* with Multiphoton Microscopy, and Change of Articular Cartilage T2 in an Ovine Model of Meniscal Repair

PubMed Central

Koff, Matthew F.; Shah, Parina; Pownder, Sarah; Romero, Bethsabe; Williams, Rebecca; Gilbert, Susannah; Maher, Suzanne; Fortier, Lisa A.; Rodeo, Scott A.; Potter, Hollis G.

2013-01-01

Objective To correlate meniscal T2* relaxation times using ultra-short echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with quantitative microscopic methods, and to determine the effect of meniscal repair on post-operative cartilage T2 values. Design A medial meniscal tear was created and repaired in the anterior horn of one limb of 28 crossbred mature ewes. MR scans for morphological evaluation, meniscal T2* values, and cartilage T2 values were acquired at 0, 4 and 8 months post-operatively for the Tear and Non-Op limb. Samples of menisci from both limbs were analyzed using multiphoton microscopy (MPM) analysis and biomechanical testing. Results Significantly prolonged meniscal T2* values were found in repaired limbs than in control limbs, p<0.0001. No regional differences of T2* were detected for either the repaired or control limbs in the anterior horn. Repaired limbs had prolonged cartilage T2 values, primarily anteriorly, and tended to have lower biomechanical force to failure at 8 months than Non-Op limbs. MPM autofluorescence and second harmonic generation data correlated with T2* values at 8 months (ρ=−0.48, p=0.06). Conclusions T2* mapping is sensitive to detecting temporal and zonal differences of meniscal structure and composition. Meniscal MPM and cartilage T2 values indicate changes in tissue integrity in the presence of meniscal repair. PMID:23680878

Work-related posttraumatic upper limb disorder. A case report.

PubMed

Capodaglio, P; Nigrelli, M P; Malaguti, S; Panigazzi, M; Pierobon, A

1999-01-01

In this paper we describe a patient with mor-sensory loss in the right forearm and hand, which persisted more than 2 years after work-related crush trauma of the left hand. Radiographic and electromyographic investigations, somatosensory evoked potentials, CT scans of the encephalus as well as the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and the Roarschach test have been performed. On the basis of these investigations, we think this represents a case of conversion disorder with somatic features. Included is a brief overview of other psychological illness with physical findings involving the upper limb.

Standardizing evaluation of pQCT image quality in the presence of subject movement: qualitative versus quantitative assessment.

PubMed

Blew, Robert M; Lee, Vinson R; Farr, Joshua N; Schiferl, Daniel J; Going, Scott B

2014-02-01

Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is an essential tool for assessing bone parameters of the limbs, but subject movement and its impact on image quality remains a challenge to manage. The current approach to determine image viability is by visual inspection, but pQCT lacks a quantitative evaluation. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) examine the reliability of a qualitative visual inspection scale and (2) establish a quantitative motion assessment methodology. Scans were performed on 506 healthy girls (9-13 years) at diaphyseal regions of the femur and tibia. Scans were rated for movement independently by three technicians using a linear, nominal scale. Quantitatively, a ratio of movement to limb size (%Move) provided a measure of movement artifact. A repeat-scan subsample (n = 46) was examined to determine %Move's impact on bone parameters. Agreement between measurers was strong (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.732 for tibia, 0.812 for femur), but greater variability was observed in scans rated 3 or 4, the delineation between repeat and no repeat. The quantitative approach found ≥95% of subjects had %Move <25 %. Comparison of initial and repeat scans by groups above and below 25% initial movement showed significant differences in the >25 % grouping. A pQCT visual inspection scale can be a reliable metric of image quality, but technicians may periodically mischaracterize subject motion. The presented quantitative methodology yields more consistent movement assessment and could unify procedure across laboratories. Data suggest a delineation of 25% movement for determining whether a diaphyseal scan is viable or requires repeat.

Standardizing Evaluation of pQCT Image Quality in the Presence of Subject Movement: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Assessment

PubMed Central

Blew, Robert M.; Lee, Vinson R.; Farr, Joshua N.; Schiferl, Daniel J.; Going, Scott B.

2013-01-01

Purpose Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is an essential tool for assessing bone parameters of the limbs, but subject movement and its impact on image quality remains a challenge to manage. The current approach to determine image viability is by visual inspection, but pQCT lacks a quantitative evaluation. Therefore, the aims of this study were to (1) examine the reliability of a qualitative visual inspection scale, and (2) establish a quantitative motion assessment methodology. Methods Scans were performed on 506 healthy girls (9–13yr) at diaphyseal regions of the femur and tibia. Scans were rated for movement independently by three technicians using a linear, nominal scale. Quantitatively, a ratio of movement to limb size (%Move) provided a measure of movement artifact. A repeat-scan subsample (n=46) was examined to determine %Move’s impact on bone parameters. Results Agreement between measurers was strong (ICC = .732 for tibia, .812 for femur), but greater variability was observed in scans rated 3 or 4, the delineation between repeat or no repeat. The quantitative approach found ≥95% of subjects had %Move <25%. Comparison of initial and repeat scans by groups above and below 25% initial movement, showed significant differences in the >25% grouping. Conclusions A pQCT visual inspection scale can be a reliable metric of image quality but technicians may periodically mischaracterize subject motion. The presented quantitative methodology yields more consistent movement assessment and could unify procedure across laboratories. Data suggest a delineation of 25% movement for determining whether a diaphyseal scan is viable or requires repeat. PMID:24077875

Multiorgan paradoxical embolism consequent to acute pulmonary thromboembolism with patent foramen ovale: a case report

PubMed Central

Caretta, Giorgio; Robba, Debora; Bonadei, Ivano; Teli, Melissa; Fontanella, Benedetta; Farina, Davide; Raddino, Riccardo; Cas, Livio Dei

2009-01-01

Paradoxical embolism is defined as a systemic arterial embolism requiring the passage of a venous thrombus into the arterial circulatory system through a right-to-left shunt. It is a relatively rare phenomenon, representing about 2% of all cases of arterial embolism. We report a case of a 79-years-old woman admitted to hospital because of dyspnea and lower left limb pain. CT scan revealed multiple thrombi to kidney, lower limb and superior mesenteric artery during acute pulmonary embolism. Echocardiogram documented a patent foramen ovale with a right-to-left shunt. The patient was treated with thrombolytic therapy and heparin with progressive improvement of symptoms and resolution of pulmonary embolism and peripheral thrombosis. Patent foramen ovale closure was not performed because a life-long anticoagulation therapy was necessary, a tunnel-type patent foramen ovale may increases difficulty in realizing device implantation and there are no clear evidence-based guidelines to date addressing treatment in presence of a patent foramen ovale. PMID:19918422

Scanning imaging absorption spectrometer for atmospheric chartography

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Burrows, John P.; Chance, Kelly V.

1991-01-01

The SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY is an instrument which measures backscattered, reflected, and transmitted light from the earth's atmosphere and surface. SCIAMACHY has eight spectral channels which observe simultaneously the spectral region between 240 and 1700 nm and selected windows between 1940 and 2400 nm. Each spectral channel contains a grating and linear diode array detector. SCIAMACHY observes the atmosphere in nadir, limb, and solar and lunar occultation viewing geometries.

Contrast agent comparison for three-dimensional micro-CT angiography: A cadaveric study.

PubMed

Kingston, Mitchell J; Perriman, Diana M; Neeman, Teresa; Smith, Paul N; Webb, Alexandra L

2016-07-01

Barium sulfate and lead oxide contrast media are frequently used for cadaver-based angiography studies. These contrast media have not previously been compared to determine which is optimal for the visualisation and measurement of blood vessels. In this study, the lower limb vessels of 16 embalmed Wistar rats, and four sets of cannulae of known diameter, were injected with one of three different contrast agents (barium sulfate and resin, barium sulfate and gelatin, and lead oxide combined with milk powder). All were then scanned using micro-computed tomography (CT) angiography and 3-D reconstructions generated. The number of branching generations of the rat lower limb vessels were counted and compared between the contrast agents using ANOVA. The diameter of the contrast-filled cannulae, were measured and used to calculate the accuracy of the measurements by comparing the bias and variance of the estimates. Intra- and inter-observer reliability were calculated using intra-class correlation coefficients. There was no significant difference (mean difference [MD] 0.05; MD 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.83 to 0.93) between the number of branching generations for barium sulfate-resin and lead oxide-milk powder. Barium sulfate-resin demonstrated less bias and less variance of the estimates (MD 0.03; standard deviation [SD] 1.96 mm) compared to lead oxide-milk powder (MD 0.11; SD 1.96 mm) for measurements of contrast-filled cannulae scanned at high resolution. Barium sulfate-resin proved to be more accurate than lead oxide-milk powder for high resolution micro-CT scans and is preferred due to its non-toxicity. This technique could be applied to any embalmed specimen model. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Validation of Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI) Ionospheric Tomography using ALTAIR Incoherent Scatter Radar Measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dymond, K.; Nicholas, A. C.; Budzien, S. A.; Stephan, A. W.; Coker, C.; Hei, M. A.; Groves, K. M.

2015-12-01

The Special Sensor Ultraviolet Limb Imager (SSULI) instruments are ultraviolet limb scanning sensors flying on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. The SSULIs observe the 80-170 nanometer wavelength range covering emissions at 91 and 136 nm, which are produced by radiative recombination of the ionosphere. We invert these emissions tomographically using newly developed algorithms that include optical depth effects due to pure absorption and resonant scattering. We present the details of our approach including how the optimal altitude and along-track sampling were determined and the newly developed approach we are using for regularizing the SSULI tomographic inversions. Finally, we conclude with validations of the SSULI inversions against ALTAIR incoherent scatter radar measurements and demonstrate excellent agreement between the measurements.

Limb/pelvis hypoplasia/aplasia with skull defect (Schinzel phocomelia): distinctive features and prenatal detection.

PubMed

Olney, R S; Hoyme, H E; Roche, F; Ferguson, K; Hintz, S; Madan, A

2001-11-01

Schinzel phocomelia syndrome is characterized by limb/pelvis hypoplasia/aplasia: specifically, intercalary limb deficiencies and absent or hypoplastic pelvic bones. The phenotype is similar to that described in a related multiple malformation syndrome known as Al-Awadi/Raas-Rothschild syndrome. The additional important feature of large parietooccipital skull defects without meningocele, encephalocele, or other brain malformation has thus far been reported only in children with Schinzel phocomelia syndrome. We recently evaluated a boy affected with Schinzel phocomelia born to nonconsanguineous healthy parents of Mexican origin. A third-trimester fetal ultrasound scan showed severe limb deficiencies and an absent pelvis. The infant died shortly after birth. Dysmorphology examination, radiographs, and autopsy revealed quadrilateral intercalary limb deficiencies with preaxial toe polydactyly; an absent pelvis and a 7 x 3-cm skull defect; and extraskeletal anomalies including microtia, telecanthus, micropenis with cryptorchidism, renal cysts, stenosis of the colon, and a cleft alveolar ridge. A normal 46,XY karyotype was demonstrated, and autosomal recessive inheritance was presumed on the basis of previously reported families. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing severe pelvic and skull deficiencies (either post- or prenatally) in differentiating infants with Schinzel phocomelia from other multiple malformation syndromes that feature intercalary limb defects, including thalidomide embryopathy and Roberts-SC phocomelia. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The thermal structure of Saturn: Inferences from ground-based and airborne infrared observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tokunaga, A.

1978-01-01

Spectroscopic and photometric infrared observations of Saturn are reviewed and compared to the expected flux from thermal structure models. Large uncertainties exist in the far-infrared measurements, but the available data indicate that the effective temperature of the disk of Saturn is 90 + or - 5 K. The thermal structure models proposed by Tokunaga and Cess and by Gautier et al. (model 'N') agree best with the observations. North-South limb scans of Saturn at 10 and 20 micrometers show that the temperature inversion is much stronger at the South polar region than at the equator.

A new contrast agent for radiological and dissection studies of the arterial network of anatomic specimens.

PubMed

Bulla, A; Casoli, C; Farace, F; Mazzarello, V; De Luca, L; Rubino, C; Montella, A

2014-01-01

The aim of the present study is to propose a new contrast agent that can be easily applied both to CT and dissection studies to replace lead oxide based formulas for comparative anatomical analyses of the vascularisation of cadaveric specimens. The infusion material was an epoxy resin, especially modified by the addition of barium sulphate to enhance its radiopacity. The final copolymer was toxicologically safe. To test the properties of the new material, several cadaveric limb injections were performed. The injected specimens were both CT scanned to perform 3D vascular reconstructions and dissected by anatomical planes. There was a perfect correspondence between the image studies and the dissections: even the smallest arteries on CT scan can be identified on the specimen and vice versa. The properties of the epoxy allowed an easy dissection of the vessels. The new imaging techniques available today, such as CT scan, can evaluate the vascular anatomy in high detail and 3D. This new contrast agent may help realising detailed vascular studies comparing CT scan results with anatomical dissections. Moreover, it may be useful for teaching surgical skills in the field of plastic surgery.

Arterial tree tracking from anatomical landmarks in magnetic resonance angiography scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Neil, Alison; Beveridge, Erin; Houston, Graeme; McCormick, Lynne; Poole, Ian

2014-03-01

This paper reports on arterial tree tracking in fourteen Contrast Enhanced MRA volumetric scans, given the positions of a predefined set of vascular landmarks, by using the A* algorithm to find the optimal path for each vessel based on voxel intensity and a learnt vascular probability atlas. The algorithm is intended for use in conjunction with an automatic landmark detection step, to enable fully automatic arterial tree tracking. The scan is filtered to give two further images using the top-hat transform with 4mm and 8mm cubic structuring elements. Vessels are then tracked independently on the scan in which the vessel of interest is best enhanced, as determined from knowledge of typical vessel diameter and surrounding structures. A vascular probability atlas modelling expected vessel location and orientation is constructed by non-rigidly registering the training scans to the test scan using a 3D thin plate spline to match landmark correspondences, and employing kernel density estimation with the ground truth center line points to form a probability density distribution. Threshold estimation by histogram analysis is used to segment background from vessel intensities. The A* algorithm is run using a linear cost function constructed from the threshold and the vascular atlas prior. Tracking results are presented for all major arteries excluding those in the upper limbs. An improvement was observed when tracking was informed by contextual information, with particular benefit for peripheral vessels.

Myasthenia Gravis: Unusual Presentations and Diagnostic Pitfalls.

PubMed

Rodolico, Carmelo; Parisi, Daniela; Portaro, Simona; Biasini, Fiammetta; Sinicropi, Stefano; Ciranni, Annamaria; Toscano, Antonio; Messina, Sonia; Musumeci, Olimpia; Vita, Giuseppe; Girlanda, Paolo

2016-08-30

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder presenting with fluctuating, fatigable muscle weakness. Initial symptoms classically involve ocular and proximal limb muscles. Rarely, MG may onset with unusual features, so it can be misdiagnosed with other neuromuscular diseases. To describe unusual and atypical presentations of MG in a large cohort of patients, considering and discussing diagnostic difficulties and pitfalls. We report on 21 out of 508 MG patients, coming to our department in the last 27 years and presenting with atypical or unusual features. The diagnosis was achieved performing a careful clinical examination, a proper neurophysiological assessment, the neostigmine test, the AChR and MuSK antibodies assay and chest CT-scan. Patients with atypical/unusual MG onset were the 4.4% of all MG patients population. We describe seven different clinical categories: asymmetric distal upper limbs weakness, foot drop, isolated triceps brachii weakness and foot drop, post exertional axial weakness with dropped head, acute facial dyplegia, limb-girdle MG and MG with sudden lower limbs weakness and recurrent falls. Atypical and unusual presentations may increase the risk to misdiagnose or delay MG diagnosis. Isolated limb-girdle presentation is the most frequent atypical form in our series.

What is Scanner and NonScanner?

Atmospheric Science Data Center

2014-12-08

... instruments specifically designed by a team of electronic, thermal, and mechanical experts, built and integrated with the ERBS and NOAA ... of three co-planar detectors (longwave, shortwave and total energy), all of which scan from one limb of the Earth to the other, across the ...

Receivers for the Microwave Radiometer on Juno

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maiwald, F.; Russell, D.; Dawson, D.; Hatch, W.; Brown, S.; Oswald, J.; Janssen, M.

2009-01-01

Six receivers for the MicroWave Radiometer (MWR) are currently under development at JPL. These receivers cover a frequency range of 0.6 to 22 GHz in approximately octave steps, with 4 % bandwidth. For calibration and diagnosis three noise diodes and a Dicke switch are integrated into each receiver. Each receiver is connected to its own antenna which is mounted with its bore sights perpendicular to the spin axis of the spacecraft. As the spacecraft spins at 2 RPM, the antenna field of view scans Jupiter's atmosphere from limb to nadir to limb, measuring microwave emission down to 1000-bar.

Standardized Approach to Quantitatively Measure Residual Limb Skin Health in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation.

PubMed

Rink, Cameron L; Wernke, Matthew M; Powell, Heather M; Tornero, Mark; Gnyawali, Surya C; Schroeder, Ryan M; Kim, Jayne Y; Denune, Jeffrey A; Albury, Alexander W; Gordillo, Gayle M; Colvin, James M; Sen, Chandan K

2017-07-01

Objective: (1) Develop a standardized approach to quantitatively measure residual limb skin health. (2) Report reference residual limb skin health values in people with transtibial and transfemoral amputation. Approach: Residual limb health outcomes in individuals with transtibial ( n  = 5) and transfemoral ( n  = 5) amputation were compared to able-limb controls ( n  = 4) using noninvasive imaging (hyperspectral imaging and laser speckle flowmetry) and probe-based approaches (laser doppler flowmetry, transcutaneous oxygen, transepidermal water loss, surface electrical capacitance). Results: A standardized methodology that employs noninvasive imaging and probe-based approaches to measure residual limb skin health are described. Compared to able-limb controls, individuals with transtibial and transfemoral amputation have significantly lower transcutaneous oxygen tension, higher transepidermal water loss, and higher surface electrical capacitance in the residual limb. Innovation: Residual limb health as a critical component of prosthesis rehabilitation for individuals with lower limb amputation is understudied in part due to a lack of clinical measures. Here, we present a standardized approach to measure residual limb health in people with transtibial and transfemoral amputation. Conclusion: Technology advances in noninvasive imaging and probe-based measures are leveraged to develop a standardized approach to quantitatively measure residual limb health in individuals with lower limb loss. Compared to able-limb controls, resting residual limb physiology in people that have had transfemoral or transtibial amputation is characterized by lower transcutaneous oxygen tension and poorer skin barrier function.

Aerosol sampling for the August 7th, and 9th, 1985 SAGE II validation experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oberbeck, V. R.; Pueschel, R.; Ferry, G.; Livingston, J.; Fong, W.

1986-01-01

Comparisons are made between aerosol size distributions measured by instrumented aircraft and the SAGE II sensor on the ERB satellite performing limb scans of the same atmospheric region. Particle radii ranging from 0.0001-200 microns were detected, with good agreement being obtained between the size distributions detected by impactors and probes at radii over 0.15 micron. The distributions were used to calculate aerosol extinction values which were compared with values from SAGE II scans.

Sensitivity studies and laboratory measurements for the laser heterodyne spectrometer experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Allario, F.; Katzberg, S. J.; Larsen, J. C.

1980-01-01

Several experiments involving spectral scanning interferometers and gas filter correlation radiometers (ref. 2) using limb scanning solar occultation techniques under development for measurements of stratospheric trace gases from Spacelab and satellite platforms are described. An experiment to measure stratospheric trace constituents by Laser Heterodyne Spectroscopy, a summary of sensitivity analyses, and supporting laboratory measurements are presented for O3, ClO, and H2O2 in which the instrument transfer function is modeled using a detailed optical receiver design.

The use of 3d scanner for testing changes in shape of human limbs under the influence of external mechanical load

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kasperska, Kamila; Wieczorowski, Michał; Krolczyk, Jolanta B.

2017-10-01

Three-dimensional scanning is used in many fields: medicine, architecture, industry, reverse engineering. The aim of the article was to analyze the changes in the shape of the limbs under the influence of a mechanical external load using the method of three-dimensional scanner uses white light technology. The paper presents a system of human movement, passive part - skeleton and active part - the muscles, and principles of their interaction, which results in a change of the position of the body. Furthermore, by using the 3D scan, the differences in appearance of the arm and leg depending on the size of the external load in different positions have been presented. The paper shows that with increasing load, which muscles must prevent, increases the volume of certain parts of the legs, while another parts of them will be reduced. Results of the research using three-dimensional scanner allow determining what impact on changing the legs shape has an external mechanical load.

Improved pointing information for SCIAMACHY from in-flight measurements of the viewing directions towards sun and moon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bramstedt, Klaus; Stone, Thomas C.; Gottwald, Manfred; Noël, Stefan; Bovensmann, Heinrich; Burrows, John P.

2017-07-01

The SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) on Envisat (2002-2012) performed nadir, limb, solar/lunar occultation and various monitoring measurements. The pointing information of the instrument is determined by the attitude information of the Envisat platform with its star trackers together with the encoder readouts of both the azimuth and the elevation scanner of SCIAMACHY. In this work, we present additional sources of attitude information from the SCIAMACHY measurements itself. The basic principle is the same as used by the star tracker: we measure the viewing direction towards celestial objects, i.e. sun and moon, to detect possible mispointings. In sun over limb port observations, we utilise the vertical scans over the solar disk. In horizontal direction, SCIAMACHY's sun follower device (SFD) is used to adjust the viewing direction. Moon over limb port measurements use for both the vertical and the horizontal direction the adjustment by the SFD. The viewing direction is steered towards the intensity centroid of the illuminated part of the lunar disk. We use reference images from the USGS Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) to take into account the inhomogeneous surface and the variations by lunar libration and phase to parameterise the location of the intensity centroid from the observation geometry. Solar observations through SCIAMACHY's so-called sub-solar port (with a viewing direction closely to zenith) also use the SFD in the vertical direction. In the horizontal direction the geometry of the port defines the viewing direction. Using these three type of measurements, we fit improved mispointing parameters by minimising the pointing offsets in elevation and azimuth. The geolocation of all retrieved products will benefit from this; the tangent heights are especially improved. The altitudes assigned to SCIAMACHY's solar occultation measurements are changed in the range of -130 to -330 m, the lunar occultation measurements are changed in the range of 0 to +130 m and the limb measurements are changed in the range of -50 to +60 m (depending on season, altitude and azimuth angle). The horizontal location of the tangent point is changed by about 5 km for all measurements. These updates are implemented in version 9 of the SCIAMACHY Level 1b products and Level 2 version 7 (based on L1b version 9).

CO concentration in the upper stratosphere and mesosphere of Titan from VIMS dayside limb observations at 4.7 μm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fabiano, F.; López Puertas, M.; Adriani, A.; Moriconi, M. L.; D'Aversa, E.; Funke, B.; López-Valverde, M. A.; Ridolfi, M.; Dinelli, B. M.

2017-09-01

During the last 30 years, many works have focused on the determination of the CO abundance in Titan's atmosphere, but no measurement above 300 km has been done yet due to the faint signal of CO. Nevertheless, such measurements are particularly awaited as a confirmation of photochemical models predictions that CO is uniformly mixed in the whole atmosphere. Moreover, since CO is the main atmospheric reservoir of oxygen, its actual abundance has implications on the origins of Titan's atmosphere. In this work, we analyse a set of Cassini VIMS daytime limb observations of Titan at 4.7 μm, which is dominated by solar-pumped non-LTE (non-local thermodynamic equilibrium) emission of CO ro-vibrational bands. In order to retrieve the CO abundance from these observations, we developed a non-LTE model for the CO vibrational levels. The retrieval of the CO concentration is performed following a bayesian approach and using the calculated non-LTE populations. The data set analysed consists of 47 limb scanning sequences -about 1500 spectra- acquired by VIMS in 2006 and 2007. CO relative abundance profiles from 200 to 500 km are obtained, for each set analysed. The mean result shows no significant variations with altitude and is consistent with the prediction of a well-mixed vertical profile. However, if compared with Earth-based mm measurements, a small vertical gradient is plausible.

A three-dimensional thermal and electromagnetic model of whole limb heating with a MAPA.

PubMed

Charny, C K; Levin, R L

1991-10-01

Previous studies by the authors have shown that if properly implemented, the Pennes assumptions can be applied to quantify bioheat transfer during extremity heating. Given its relative numerical simplicity and its ability to predict temperatures in thermoregulated tissue, the Pennes model of bioheat transfer was utilized in a three-dimensional thermal model of limb heating. While the arterial blood temperature was assumed to be radially uniform within a cross section of the limb, axial gradients in the arterial and venous blood temperatures were computed with this three-dimensional model. A realistically shaped, three-dimensional finite element model of a tumor-bearing human lower leg was constructed and was "attached" mathematically to the whole body thermal model of man described in previous studies by the authors. The central as well as local thermoregulatory feedback control mechanisms which determine blood perfusion to the various tissues and rate of evaporation by sweating were input into the limb model. In addition, the temperature of the arterial blood which feeds into the most proximal section of the lower leg was computed by the whole body thermal model. The variations in the shape of the tissues which comprise the limb were obtained from computerized tomography scans. Axial variations in the energy deposition patterns along the length of the limb exposed to a miniannular phased array (MAPA) applicator were also input into this model of limb heating. Results indicate that proper positioning of the limb relative to the MAPA is a significant factor in determining the effectiveness of the treatment. A patient-specific hyperthermia protocol can be designed using this coupled electromagnetic and thermal model.

Accuracy verification of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology for lower-limb prosthetic research: utilising animal soft tissue specimen and common socket casting materials.

PubMed

Safari, Mohammad Reza; Rowe, Philip; Buis, Arjan

2012-01-01

Lower limb prosthetic socket shape and volume consistency can be quantified using MRI technology. Additionally, MRI images of the residual limb could be used as an input data for CAD-CAM technology and finite element studies. However, the accuracy of MRI when socket casting materials are used has to be defined. A number of six, 46 mm thick, cross-sections of an animal leg were used. Three specimens were wrapped with Plaster of Paris (POP) and the other three with commercially available silicone interface liner. Data was obtained by utilising MRI technology and then the segmented images compared to corresponding calliper measurement, photographic imaging, and water suspension techniques. The MRI measurement results were strongly correlated with actual diameter, surface area, and volume measurements. The results show that the selected scanning parameters and the semiautomatic segmentation method are adequate enough, considering the limit of clinical meaningful shape and volume fluctuation, for residual limb volume and the cross-sectional surface area measurements.

Accuracy Verification of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technology for Lower-Limb Prosthetic Research: Utilising Animal Soft Tissue Specimen and Common Socket Casting Materials

PubMed Central

Safari, Mohammad Reza; Rowe, Philip; Buis, Arjan

2012-01-01

Lower limb prosthetic socket shape and volume consistency can be quantified using MRI technology. Additionally, MRI images of the residual limb could be used as an input data for CAD-CAM technology and finite element studies. However, the accuracy of MRI when socket casting materials are used has to be defined. A number of six, 46 mm thick, cross-sections of an animal leg were used. Three specimens were wrapped with Plaster of Paris (POP) and the other three with commercially available silicone interface liner. Data was obtained by utilising MRI technology and then the segmented images compared to corresponding calliper measurement, photographic imaging, and water suspension techniques. The MRI measurement results were strongly correlated with actual diameter, surface area, and volume measurements. The results show that the selected scanning parameters and the semiautomatic segmentation method are adequate enough, considering the limit of clinical meaningful shape and volume fluctuation, for residual limb volume and the cross-sectional surface area measurements. PMID:22619599

Association between amputation, arthritis and osteopenia in British male war veterans with major lower limb amputations.

PubMed

Kulkarni, J; Adams, J; Thomas, E; Silman, A

1998-08-01

To investigate the association between amputation, osteoarthritis and osteopenia in male war veterans with major lower limb amputations. Specific questions were to determine whether lower limb amputees following trauma are at subsequent risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis of the hip on both the amputated and nonamputated sides. Retrospective cohort study in British Male Second World War veterans with major unilateral lower limb amputations. Seventy-five male Second World War veterans with major lower limb amputations known to be alive were invited to participate from a subregional rehabilitation centre. After exclusions, 44 agreed to attend for examination and radiological screening. The presence of hip OA was determined from a single anterior posterior pelvic X-ray using two approaches: minimum joint space and the Kellgren and Lawrence (K&L) scoring system. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by a dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan and prosthetic rehabilitation outcome measures were recorded. Twenty-seven (61%) hips on the amputated side and 10 (23%) on the nonamputated side were positive for OA (based on Kellgren and Lawrence grade of >2). Using a minimum joint space threshold of below 2.5 mm, 24 (55%) hips on the amputation side and 8 (18%) on the nonamputated side were also positive for OA. There was a threefold increased risk of OA for those with above-knee compared to a below-knee amputation. By contrast, from published general population surveys only 4 (11%) cases of hip OA would have been expected on both the amputated and nonamputated hips. There was a significant decrease in femoral neck BMD in the amputated side (p <0.0001) and significantly lower BMD in above-knee amputees than in below-knee amputees (p = 0.0027) as compared to normal age- and sex-matched population. Male war veterans with unilateral major lower limb amputations develop significantly more osteoarthritis of the hip than expected on both ipsi- and contralateral sides. Amputation was also associated with loss of bone density. Above-knee amputees develop significantly more hip osteoarthritis and osteopenia of greater severity in the amputated side than below-knee amputees.

MAMMALIAN APOPTOSIS IN WHOLE NEONATAL OVARIES, EMBRYOS AND FETAL LIMBS USING CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY

EPA Science Inventory

The emergence of confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) as a technique capable of optically generating serial sections of whole-mount tissue and then reassembling the computer-stored images as a virtual 3-dimensional structure offers a viable alternative to traditional section...

Confocal microscopy studies of morphology and apoptosis: ovaries, limbs, embryos and insects

EPA Science Inventory

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a technique that is capable of generating serial sections of whole-mount tissue and then reassembling the computer-stored images as a virtual 3-dimensional structure. In many ways CLSM offers an alternative to traditional sectioning ap...

Intensive virtual reality-based training for upper limb motor function in chronic stroke: a feasibility study using a single case experimental design and fMRI.

PubMed

Schuster-Amft, Corina; Henneke, Andrea; Hartog-Keisker, Birgit; Holper, Lisa; Siekierka, Ewa; Chevrier, Edith; Pyk, Pawel; Kollias, Spyros; Kiper, Daniel; Eng, Kynan

2015-01-01

To evaluate feasibility and neurophysiological changes after virtual reality (VR)-based training of upper limb (UL) movements. Single-case A-B-A-design with two male stroke patients (P1:67 y and 50 y, 3.5 and 3 y after onset) with UL motor impairments, 45-min therapy sessions 5×/week over 4 weeks. Patients facing screen, used bimanual data gloves to control virtual arms. Three applications trained bimanual reaching, grasping, hand opening. Assessments during 2-week baseline, weekly during intervention, at 3-month follow-up (FU): Goal Attainment Scale (GAS), Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI), Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment (CMSA), Extended Barthel Index (EBI), Motor Activity Log (MAL). Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans (FMRI) before, immediately after treatment and at FU. P1 executed 5478 grasps (paretic arm). Improvements in CAHAI (+4) were maintained at FU. GAS changed to +1 post-test and +2 at FU. P2 executed 9835 grasps (paretic arm). CAHAI improvements (+13) were maintained at FU. GAS scores changed to -1 post-test and +1 at FU. MAL scores changed from 3.7 at pre-test to 5.5 post-test and 3.3 at FU. The VR-based intervention was feasible, safe, and intense. Adjustable application settings maintained training challenge and patient motivation. ADL-relevant UL functional improvements persisted at FU and were related to changed cortical activation patterns. Implications for Rehabilitation YouGrabber trains uni- and bimanual upper motor function. Its application is feasible, safe, and intense. The control of the virtual arms can be done in three main ways: (a) normal (b) virtual mirror therapy, or (c) virtual following. The mirroring feature provides an illusion of affected limb movements during the period when the affected upper limb (UL) is resting. The YouGrabber training led to ADL-relevant UL functional improvements that were still assessable 12 weeks after intervention finalization and were related to changed cortical activation patterns.

Detection of melorheostosis in a young lady with upper limb pain on Three Phase Bone Scintigram/SPECT-CT.

PubMed

Hassan, Aamna; Khalid, Madeeha; Khawar, Saquib

2016-01-01

Melorheostosis is a benign, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic features of dense, flowing hyperostosis. It frequently affects one limb, usually the lower extremity and rarely the axial skeleton. A 26-year-old lady with obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome and scalp dandruff presented with a long standing history of upper extremity pain and inability to adduct the arm completely. A Tc-99m MDP whole body and SPECT/CT scan performed for suspected fibrous dysplasia showed increased radiotracer uptake in densely sclerotic humeral and radial melorheostosis. This case highlighted the role of SPECT/CT imaging in this rare condition.

Parasitic twin--a supernumerary limb associated with spinal malformations. A case report.

PubMed

Sahlu, Abat; Mesfin, Brook; Tirsit, Abenezer; Debebe, Tequam; Wester, Knut

2016-03-01

We describe a case of rachipagus parasitic twin with spinal cord malformations (lipomyelomeningocele and tethered cord) in a 7-month-old Ethiopian infant. The parasitic mass had a well-formed foot, ankle and lower leg and a small sinus that resembled an anus. Magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed spinal malformations including a distal syringohydromyelia. The mass was successfully resected and the dural attachment was closed. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively, the child had unchanged, intact neurological function in both lower limbs. Almost all rachipagus parasitic twins are associated with spinal malformations. They should, therefore, be operated on by surgeons experienced in myelomeningocele surgery.

Uranus - Disk structure within the 7300-A methane band

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Price, M. J.; Franz, O. G.

1979-01-01

Orthogonal narrow-band (100 A) photoelectric slit scan photometry of Uranus has been used to infer the basic two-dimensional structure of the disk within the 7300-A methane band. Numerical image reconstruction and restoration techniques have been applied to quantitatively estimate the degrees of polar and limb brightening on the planet. Through partial removal of atmospheric smearing, an effective spatial resolution of approximately 0.9 arcsec has been achieved. Peak polar, limb, and central intensities on the disk are in the respective proportions 3:2:1. In addition, the bright polar feature is displaced from the geometric pole towards the equator of the planet.

[Principles of the EOS™ X-ray machine and its use in daily orthopedic practice].

PubMed

Illés, Tamás; Somoskeöy, Szabolcs

2012-02-26

The EOS™ X-ray machine, based on a Nobel prize-winning invention in Physics in the field of particle detection, is capable of simultaneously capturing biplanar X-ray images by slot scanning of the whole body in an upright, physiological load-bearing position, using ultra low radiation doses. The simultaneous capture of spatially calibrated anterioposterior and lateral images allows the performance of a three-dimensional (3D) surface reconstruction of the skeletal system by a special software. Parts of the skeletal system in X-ray images and 3D-reconstructed models appear in true 1:1 scale for size and volume, thus spinal and vertebral parameters, lower limb axis lengths and angles, as well as any relevant clinical parameters in orthopedic practice could be very precisely measured and calculated. Visualization of 3D reconstructed models in various views by the sterEOS 3D software enables the presentation of top view images, through which one can analyze the rotational conditions of lower limbs, joints and spine deformities in horizontal plane and this provides revolutionary novel possibilities in orthopedic surgery, especially in spine surgery.

QUANTITATIVE FLUORESCENCE OF 5-FU-TREATED FETAL RAT LIMBS USING CONFOCAL LASER SCANNING MICROSCOPY AND LYSOTRACKER RED

EPA Science Inventory

Background: LysoTracker Red (LT) is a paraformaldehyde fixable probe that concentrates into acidic compartments of cells and tissues. After cell death a high level of lysosomal activity (acidic enzyme) is expressed resulting from phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies by neighboring ce...

A smartphone photogrammetry method for digitizing prosthetic socket interiors.

PubMed

Hernandez, Amaia; Lemaire, Edward

2017-04-01

Prosthetic CAD/CAM systems require accurate 3D limb models; however, difficulties arise when working from the person's socket since current 3D scanners have difficulties scanning socket interiors. While dedicated scanners exist, they are expensive and the cost may be prohibitive for a limited number of scans per year. A low-cost and accessible photogrammetry method for socket interior digitization is proposed, using a smartphone camera and cloud-based photogrammetry services. 15 two-dimensional images of the socket's interior are captured using a smartphone camera. A 3D model is generated using cloud-based software. Linear measurements were comparing between sockets and the related 3D models. 3D reconstruction accuracy averaged 2.6 ± 2.0 mm and 0.086 ± 0.078 L, which was less accurate than models obtained by high quality 3D scanners. However, this method would provide a viable 3D digital socket reproduction that is accessible and low-cost, after processing in prosthetic CAD software. Clinical relevance The described method provides a low-cost and accessible means to digitize a socket interior for use in prosthetic CAD/CAM systems, employing a smartphone camera and cloud-based photogrammetry software.

Surrogate: A Body-Dexterous Mobile Manipulation Robot with a Tracked Base

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hebert, Paul (Inventor); Borders, James W. (Inventor); Hudson, Nicolas H. (Inventor); Kennedy, Brett A. (Inventor); Ma, Jeremy C. (Inventor); Bergh, Charles F. (Inventor)

2018-01-01

Robotics platforms in accordance with various embodiments of the invention can be utilized to implement highly dexterous robots capable of whole body motion. Robotics platforms in accordance with one embodiment of the invention include: a memory containing a whole body motion application; a spine, where the spine has seven degrees of freedom and comprises a spine actuator and three spine elbow joints that each include two spine joint actuators; at least one limb, where the at least one limb comprises a limb actuator and three limb elbow joints that each include two limb joint actuators; a tracked base; a connecting structure that connects the at least one limb to the spine; a second connecting structure that connects the spine to the tracked base; wherein the processor is configured by the whole body motion application to move the at least one limb and the spine to perform whole body motion.

Tracheal Atresia with Segmental Esophageal Duplication: An Unusual Anatomic Arrangement.

PubMed

Gaerty, Kirsten; Thomas, Joseph T; Petersen, Scott; Tan, Edwin; Kumar, Sailesh; Gardener, Glenn; Armes, Jane

2016-01-01

An unusual anatomic configuration of segmental tracheal agenesis/atresia with esophageal duplication on autopsy in a fetus that demised in utero at 29 weeks is reported. The mother was scanned initially for a cardiac anomaly at 20 weeks and on follow-up scan at 27 weeks had polyhydramnios and underwent amnioreduction. The final autopsy diagnosis was vertebral, ano-rectal, cardiac, tracheoesophageal, renal, and limb malformations (VACTERL). We discuss the autopsy findings along with the embryological mechanisms and compare the configuration with Floyd's classification for tracheal agenesis. The difficulties in prenatal diagnosis are discussed.

Functional testing of space flight induced changes in tonic motor control by using limb-attached excitation and load devices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallasch, Eugen; Kozlovskaya, Inessa

2007-02-01

Long term space flights induce atrophy and contractile changes on postural muscles such effecting tonic motor control. Functional testing of tonic motor control structures is a challenge because of the difficulties to deliver appropriate test forces on crew members. In this paper we propose two approaches for functional testing by using limb attached loading devices. The first approach is based on a frequency and amplitude controllable moving magnet exciter to deliver sinusoidal test forces during limb postures. The responding limb deflection is recorded by an embedded accelerometer to obtain limb impedance. The second approach is based on elastic limb loading to evoke self-excited oscillations during arm extensions. Here the contraction force at the oscillation onset provides information about limb stiffness. The rationale for both testing approaches is based on Feldman's λ-model. An arm expander based on the second approach was probed in a 6-month MIR space flight. The results obtained from the load oscillations, confirmed that this device is well suited to capture space flight induced neuromuscular changes.

MRI-based quantification of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in a canine model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jiahui; Fan, Zheng; Kornegay, Joe N.; Styner, Martin A.

2011-03-01

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive and fatal X-linked disease caused by mutations in the DMD gene. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown potential to provide non-invasive and objective biomarkers for monitoring disease progression and therapeutic effect in DMD. In this paper, we propose a semi-automated scheme to quantify MRI features of golden retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD), a canine model of DMD. Our method was applied to a natural history data set and a hydrodynamic limb perfusion data set. The scheme is composed of three modules: pre-processing, muscle segmentation, and feature analysis. The pre-processing module includes: calculation of T2 maps, spatial registration of T2 weighted (T2WI) images, T2 weighted fat suppressed (T2FS) images, and T2 maps, and intensity calibration of T2WI and T2FS images. We then manually segment six pelvic limb muscles. For each of the segmented muscles, we finally automatically measure volume and intensity statistics of the T2FS images and T2 maps. For the natural history study, our results showed that four of six muscles in affected dogs had smaller volumes and all had higher mean intensities in T2 maps as compared to normal dogs. For the perfusion study, the muscle volumes and mean intensities in T2FS were increased in the post-perfusion MRI scans as compared to pre-perfusion MRI scans, as predicted. We conclude that our scheme successfully performs quantitative analysis of muscle MRI features of GRMD.

Remote ischaemic postconditioning protects the heart during acute myocardial infarction in pigs.

PubMed

Andreka, Gyorgy; Vertesaljai, Marton; Szantho, Gergely; Font, Gusztav; Piroth, Zsolt; Fontos, Geza; Juhasz, Eszter D; Szekely, Laszlo; Szelid, Zsolt; Turner, Mark S; Ashrafian, Houman; Frenneaux, Michael P; Andreka, Peter

2007-06-01

Ischaemic preconditioning results in a reduction in ischaemic-reperfusion injury to the heart. This beneficial effect is seen both with direct local preconditioning of the myocardium and with remote preconditioning of easily accessible distant non-vital limb tissue. Ischaemic postconditioning with a comparable sequence of brief periods of local ischaemia, when applied immediately after the ischaemic insult, confers benefits similar to preconditioning. To test the hypothesis that limb ischaemia induces remote postconditioning and hence reduces experimental myocardial infarct size in a validated swine model of acute myocardial infarction. Acute myocardial infarction was induced in 24 pigs with 90 min balloon inflations of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Remote ischaemic postconditioning was induced in 12 of the pigs by four 5 min cycles of blood pressure cuff inflation applied to the lower limb immediately after the balloon deflation. Infarct size was assessed by measuring 72 h creatinine kinase release, MRI scan and immunohistochemical analysis. Area under the curve of creatinine kinase release was significantly reduced in the postconditioning group compared with the control group with a 26% reduction in the infarct size (p<0.05). This was confirmed by MRI scanning and immunohistochemical analysis that revealed a 22% (p<0.05) and a 47.52% (p<0.01) relative reduction in the infarct size, respectively. Remote ischaemic postconditioning is a simple technique to reduce infarct size without the hazards and logistics of multiple coronary artery balloon inflations. This type of conditioning promises clear clinical potential.

Automatic limb identification and sleeping parameters assessment for pressure ulcer prevention.

PubMed

Baran Pouyan, Maziyar; Birjandtalab, Javad; Nourani, Mehrdad; Matthew Pompeo, M D

2016-08-01

Pressure ulcers (PUs) are common among vulnerable patients such as elderly, bedridden and diabetic. PUs are very painful for patients and costly for hospitals and nursing homes. Assessment of sleeping parameters on at-risk limbs is critical for ulcer prevention. An effective assessment depends on automatic identification and tracking of at-risk limbs. An accurate limb identification can be used to analyze the pressure distribution and assess risk for each limb. In this paper, we propose a graph-based clustering approach to extract the body limbs from the pressure data collected by a commercial pressure map system. A robust signature-based technique is employed to automatically label each limb. Finally, an assessment technique is applied to evaluate the experienced stress by each limb over time. The experimental results indicate high performance and more than 94% average accuracy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

MRI correlates of alien leg-like phenomenon in corticobasal degeneration.

PubMed

Hu, William T; Josephs, Keith A; Ahlskog, J Eric; Shin, Cheolsu; Boeve, Bradley F; Witte, Robert J

2005-07-01

We describe the clinical and neuroradiologic correlates in two patients with the clinical picture of CBD and alien leg phenomena. The MRI brain scan in both had unique focal abnormalities in the corresponding leg area of the homunculus that may be the substrate for the alien limb features. Copyright 2005 Movement Disorder Society.

Rare case of tibial hemimelia, preaxial polydactyly, and club foot.

PubMed

Granite, Guinevere; Herzenberg, John E; Wade, Ronald

2016-12-16

A seven-month old female presented with left tibial hemimelia (or congenital tibial aplasia; Weber type VIIb, Jones et al type 1a), seven-toed preaxial polydactyly, and severe club foot (congenital talipes equinovarus). Definitive amputation surgery disarticulated the lower limb at the knee. This case report describes the anatomical findings of a systematic post-amputation examination of the lower limb's superficial dissection, X-rays, and computed tomography (CT) scans. From the X-rays and CT scans, we found curved and overlapping preaxial supernumerary toes, hypoplastic first metatarsal, lack of middle and distal phalanges in one supernumerary toe, three tarsal bones, hypoplastic middle phalanx and no distal phalanx for fourth toe, and no middle or distal phalanges for fifth toe. The fibula articulated with the anteromedial calcaneus and the tibia was completely absent. We identified numerous muscles and nerves in the superficial dissection that are described in the results section of the case report. Due to the rarity of this combination of anatomical findings, descriptions of such cases are very infrequent in the literature.

B-Flow Imaging in Lower Limb Peripheral Arterial Disease and Bypass Graft Ultrasonography.

PubMed

D'Abate, Fabrizio; Ramachandran, Veni; Young, Mark A; Farrah, John; Ahmed, Mudasar H; Jones, Keith; Hinchliffe, Robert J

2016-09-01

Doppler ultrasonography plays a key role in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease, but is often limited by pitfalls that may be overcome by B-flow imaging. Thus far, there is little information on B-flow imaging for the assessment of peripheral arterial disease and bypass grafts in lower limbs. This article describes the authors' early experience with B-flow in the lower extremities. Sixty patients were included among a large cohort of patients routinely referred to the vascular laboratory for peripheral arterial disease and bypass graft assessments. Two experienced vascular sonographers performed all scans, comparing color Doppler ultrasonography with B-flow imaging. All scans were performed using a combination of the 9 L linear and C2-9 curvilinear transducers with the LOGIQ E9 system (GE Healthcare, Waukesha, WI, USA). Our experience indicates that this relatively unexplored technology has the potential to significantly improve peripheral blood flow evaluation. Nevertheless, B-flow imaging is not exempt from limitations and should be considered complementary to color Doppler ultrasonography. Copyright © 2016 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Early Results from the RAIDS Experiment on the ISS

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Budzien, S. A.; Bishop, R. L.; Stephan, A. W.; Christensen, A. B.; Hecht, J. H.; Straus, P. R.

2009-12-01

The Remote Atmospheric and Ionospheric Detection System (RAIDS) is a suite of three photometers, three spectrometers, and two spectrographs which span the wavelength range 55-874 nm and remotely sense the thermosphere and ionosphere by scanning and imaging the limb. RAIDS was scheduled to fly to the Japanese Experiment Module—Exposed Facility (JEM-EF) aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in September 2009. RAIDS along with a companion hyperspectral imaging experiment will serve as the first US payload on the JEM-EF. The scientific objectives of the new RAIDS experiment are to study the temperature of the lower thermosphere (100-200 km), to measure composition and chemistry of the lower thermosphere and ionosphere, and to measure the initial source of OII 83.4 nm emission. RAIDS will provide valuable data useful for exploring tidal effects in the thermosphere and ionosphere system, validating dayside ionospheric remote sensing methods, and studying local time variations in important chemical and thermal processes. Early observational results from the RAIDS experiment will be presented. The RAIDS sensor suite performs multispectral limb scanning from the open end of the HICO-RAIDS Experiment Payload aboard the ISS.

The Earth Observing System Microwave Limb Sounder (EOS MLS) on the Aura Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Waters, Joe W.; Froidevaux, Lucien; Harwood, Robert S.; Jarnot, Robert F.; Pickett, Herbert M.; Read, William G.; Siegel, Peter H.; Cofield, Richard E.; Filipiak, Mark J.; Flower, Dennis A.;

Detection of melorheostosis in a young lady with upper limb pain on Three Phase Bone Scintigram/SPECT-CT

PubMed Central

Hassan, Aamna; Khalid, Madeeha; Khawar, Saquib

2016-01-01

Summary Melorheostosis is a benign, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic features of dense, flowing hyperostosis. It frequently affects one limb, usually the lower extremity and rarely the axial skeleton. A 26-year-old lady with obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome and scalp dandruff presented with a long standing history of upper extremity pain and inability to adduct the arm completely. A Tc-99m MDP whole body and SPECT/CT scan performed for suspected fibrous dysplasia showed increased radiotracer uptake in densely sclerotic humeral and radial melorheostosis. This case highlighted the role of SPECT/CT imaging in this rare condition. PMID:27252746

Gender differences in asymmetrical limb support patterns between subjects with and without recurrent low back pain.

PubMed

Sung, Paul S; Zipple, J Tim; Danial, Pamela

2017-04-01

New insight regarding limb-dominance effects on temporal-spatial gait parameters is needed to further investigate subjects with recurrent low back pain (LBP). Although an asymmetrical gait pattern was found to reflect natural functional differences, there is a lack of information regarding gender differences on dominant limb support patterns in subjects with LBP. The purpose of this study was to investigate temporal-spatial gait parameters based on limb dominance and gender between subjects with and without LBP. One hundred and ten right limb dominant older adults (51 subjects with LBP and 59 control subjects) participated in the study. A three-dimensional motion capture system was utilized to measure temporal-spatial gait parameters, including initial double, single, and terminal double limb support times and walking speed. The gender differences between subjects with and without LBP were analyzed based on dominance for those parameters. Overall, limb dominance demonstrated significant differences on single and terminal double limb support times as well as walking speed. Limb dominance also demonstrated interactions on group x gender for single limb support time and walking speed. The male subjects with LBP demonstrated significantly increased single limb support times on the non-dominant limb. The significant gender and group interactions based on limb dominance account for a possible pain avoidance, asymmetrical limb support pattern. The causal pathway in dominance dependency gait by unweighted ambulation might be considered as an intervention for correcting these gait deviations in subjects with LBP. The specific modification recovery profiles of the subjects with LBP could shed light on variability of current LBP experiences of the subjects and reasons for gait deviations. Clinicians need to consider the mechanism of dominant limb dependency, which requires postural control strategies in male subjects with recurrent LBP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

TEMPEST-D MM-Wave Radiometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Padmanabhan, S.; Gaier, T.; Reising, S. C.; Lim, B.; Stachnik, R. A.; Jarnot, R.; Berg, W. K.; Kummerow, C. D.; Chandrasekar, V.

2016-12-01

The TEMPEST-D radiometer is a five-frequency millimeter-wave radiometer at 89, 165, 176, 180, and 182 GHz. The direct-detection architecture of the radiometer reduces its power consumption and eliminates the need for a local oscillator, reducing complexity. The Instrument includes a blackbody calibrator and a scanning reflector, which enable precision calibration and cross-track scanning. The MMIC-based millimeter-wave radiometers take advantage of the technology developed under extensive investment by the NASA Earth Science Technology Office (ESTO). The five-frequency millimeter-wave radiometer is built by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), which has produced a number of state-of-the-art spaceborne microwave radiometers, such as the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), Advanced Microwave Radiometer (AMR) for Jason-2/OSTM, Jason-3, and the Juno Microwave Radiometer (MWR). The TEMPEST-D Instrument design is based on a 165 to 182 GHz radiometer design inherited from RACE and an 89 GHz receiver developed under the ESTO ACT-08 and IIP-10 programs at Colorado State University (CSU) and JPL. The TEMPEST reflector scan and calibration methodology is adapted from the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) and has been validated on the Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using the High Altitude MMIC Sounding radiometer (HAMSR) instrument. This presentation will focus on the design, development and performance of the TEMPEST-D radiometer instrument. The flow-down of the TEMPEST-D mission objectives to instrument level requirements will also be discussed.

Role of route previewing strategies on climbing fluency and exploratory movements.

PubMed

Seifert, Ludovic; Cordier, Romain; Orth, Dominic; Courtine, Yoan; Croft, James L

2017-01-01

This study examined the role of route previewing strategies on climbing fluency and on exploratory movements of the limbs, in order to understand whether previewing helps people to perceive and to realize affordances. Eight inexperienced and ten experienced climbers previewed a 10 m high route of 5b difficulty on French scale, then climbed it with a top-rope as fluently as possible. Gaze behavior was collected from an eye tracking system during the preview and allowed us to determine the number of times they scanned the route, and which of four route previewing strategies (fragmentary, ascending, zigzagging, and sequence-of-blocks) they used. Five inertial measurement units (IMU) (3D accelerometer, 3D gyroscope, 3D magnetometer) were attached to the hip, both feet, and forearms to analyze the vertical acceleration and direction of each limb and hip during the ascent. We were able to detect movement and immobility phases of each IMU using segmentation and classification processes. Depending on whether the limbs and/or hip were moving, five states of behavior were detected: immobility, postural regulation, hold exploration, hold change, and hold traction. Using cluster analysis we identified four clusters of gaze behavior during route previewing depending on route preview duration, number of scan paths, fixations duration, ascending, zigzagging, and sequence-of-blocks strategies. The number of scan paths was positively correlated with relative duration of exploration and negatively correlated with relative duration of hold changes during the ascent. Additionally, a high relative duration of sequence-of-blocks strategy and zigzagging strategy were associated with a high relative duration of immobility during the ascent. Route previewing might help to pick up functional information about reachable, graspable, and usable holds, in order to chain movements together and to find the route. In other words, route previewing might contribute to perceiving and realizing nested affordances.

Potential of (18)F-FDG-PET as a valuable adjunct to clinical and response assessment in rheumatoid arthritis and seronegative spondyloarthropathies.

PubMed

Vijayant, Vishu; Sarma, Manjit; Aurangabadkar, Hrushikesh; Bichile, Lata; Basu, Sandip

2012-12-28

To evaluate the role of fluorine-18-labeled fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography ((18)F-FDG PET) in various rheumatic diseases and its potential in the early assessment of treatment response in a limited number of patients. This study involved 28 newly diagnosed patients, of these 17 had rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 11 had seronegative spondyloarthropathy (SSA). In the SSA group, 7 patients had ankylosing spondylitis, 3 had psoriatic arthritis, and one had non-specific SSA. Patients with RA were selected as per the American College of Rheumatology criteria. One hour after FDG injection, a whole body PET scan was performed from the skull vertex to below the knee joints using a GE Advance dedicated PET scanner. Separate scans were acquired for both upper and lower limbs. Post-treatment scans were performed in 9 patients in the RA group (at 6-9 wk from baseline) and in 1 patient with psoriatic arthropathy. The pattern of FDG uptake was analysed visually and quantified as maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in a standard region of interest. Metabolic response on the scan was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively and was correlated with clinical assessment. The qualitative FDG uptake was in agreement with the clinically involved joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein values and the clinical assessment by the rheumatologist. All 17 patients in the RA group showed the highest FDG avidity in painful/swollen/tender joints. The uptake pattern was homogeneous, intense and poly-articular in distribution. Hypermetabolism in the regional nodes (axillary nodes in the case of upper limb joint involvement and inguinal nodes in lower limb joints) was a constant feature in patients with RA. Multiple other extra-articular lesions were also observed including thyroid glands (in associated thyroiditis) and in the subcutaneous nodules. Treatment response was better appreciated using SUVmax values than visual interpretation, when compared with clinical evaluation. Four patients showed a favourable response, while 3 had stable disease and 2 showed disease progression. The resolution of regional nodal uptake (axillary or inguinal nodes based on site of joint involvement) in RA following disease modifying anti-rheumatoid drugs was noteworthy, which could be regarded as an additional parameter for identifying responding patients. In the SSA group, uptake in the affected joint was heterogeneous, low grade and non-symmetrical. In particular, there was intense tendon and muscular uptake corresponding to symptomatic joints. The patients with psoriatic arthritis showed intense FDG uptake in the joints and soft tissue. (18)F-FDG PET accurately delineates the ongoing inflammatory activity in various rheumatic diseases (both at articular and extra-articular sites) and relates well to clinical symptoms. Different metabolic patterns on FDG-PET scanning in RA and SSA can have important implications for their diagnosis and management in the future with the support of larger studies. FDG-PET molecular imaging is also a sensitive tool in the early assessment of treatment response, especially when using quantitative information. With these benefits, FDG-PET could play a pivotal clinical role in the management of inflammatory joint disorders in the future.

Can interposition of a silicone implant after sapheno-femoral ligation prevent recurrent varicose veins?

PubMed

De Maeseneer, M G; Giuliani, D R; Van Schil, P E; De Hert, S G

2002-11-01

To investigate whether a silicone implant at the sapheno-femoral ligation site could prevent recurrent varicosities. Two non-randomised groups of patients were studied prospectively. In group A 173 patients and 212 limbs had sapheno-femoral ligation, while 172 patients and 210 limbs additionally had a piece (2x3cm) of silicone sheet sutured to the saphenous stump to cover the anterior half of the common femoral vein. The implant was fixed in apposition to the deep vein by carefully closing the cribriform fascia. Colour duplex scanning was performed after 2 and 12 months. In the no implant group neovascularisation was observed in 35 (17%) after 12 months, but only in 13 (6%) limbs treated with a silicone implant (p<0.05). Interposition of a partition of silicone implant seems to lower the incidence of neovascularisation one year after saphenofemoral ligation. This technique may constitute an efficient method to prevent recurrence at the correctly ligated saphenous stump.

Autonomic arterial neuropathy in lower limbs.

PubMed

Ener, B K; Uçankale, H

2015-06-01

This prospective and controlled study was carried out to show the role of hyperperfusion due to decreased arterial resistance in patients with arterial neuropathy of lower limbs. Arterial Duplex color scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) angiography were made in 54 patients with lower limb venous stasis in which Pulsatility Index (PI) from pedal arteries by using CW Doppler was below cut off value of 5 as a confirmatory evidence of autonomic neuropathy and in 24 healthy subjects. PI was mean 2.79 ranged from 4.87 to 0.82 in patients. It was mean 9.38 between 5.43 and 15.25 in control subjects. PSV was found mean 44.52 cm/sec ranged from 26 to 74 cm/s in patients. It was found between 10 and 23 cm/sec with average 16.08 cm/s in healthy ones. In addition to venous duplex scanning findings, MRI angiography demonstrates arterial contrast enhancement, vascular blush, early venous filling and permanent venous dilatation in 16 patients (group 2) having PI below 3 with severe degrees of hyperperfusion. In this group, PI was mean 1.70 ranged from 2.46 to 0.82 and PSV was mean 61.19 cm/s, between 53 to 74 cm/s. Out of patients, 38 (group 1) had no pathological findings in MRI angiography and had PI>3 and <5. In this group, PI was mean 3.26, ranged from 4.87 to 2.55 and PSV was mean 37.5 cm/s, between 26 to 47 cm/s. In this trial, we observed that patients with arterial neuropathy in the leg (groups 1 and 2) had a significant increase in PSV and a decrease in PI values from foot arteries compared with that of the control group (P=0.001). A remarkable difference was found in parameters between patient groups (P=0.001). Finally, it can be said that lower limb hyperperfusion owing to arterial neuropathy in various degrees produce venous stasis and is also responsible for some venous abnormalities.

Limb length inequality: clinical implications for assessment and intervention.

PubMed

Brady, Rebecca J; Dean, John B; Skinner, T Marc; Gross, Michael T

2003-05-01

The purpose of this paper is to review relevant literature concerning limb length inequalities in adults and to make recommendations for assessment and intervention based on the literature and our own clinical experience. Literature searches were conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, and CINAHL databases. Limb length inequality and common classification criteria are defined and etiological factors are presented. Common methods of detecting limb length inequality include direct (tape measure methods), indirect (pelvic leveling), and radiological techniques. Interventions include shoe inserts or external shoe lift therapy for mild cases. Surgery may be appropriate in severe cases. Little agreement exists regarding the prevalence of limb length inequality, the degree of limb length inequality that is considered clinically significant, and the reliability and validity of assessment methods. Based on correlational studies, the relationship between limb length inequality and orthopaedic pathologies is questionable. Stronger support for the link between low back pain (LBP) and limb length inequality is provided by intervention studies. Methods involving palpation of pelvic landmarks with block correction have the most support for clinical assessment of limb length inequality. Standing radiographs are suggested when clinical assessment methods are unsatisfactory. Clinicians should exercise caution when undertaking intervention strategies for limb length inequality of less than 5 mm when limb length inequality has been identified with clinical techniques. Recommendations are provided regarding intervention strategies.

Melorheostosis associated with peripheral form spondyloarthropathy: new image with 18-fluoride positron emission tomoscintigraphy coupled to computed tomography

PubMed Central

Hassani, Hakim; Slama, Jérôme; Hayem, Gilles; Ben Ali, Khadija; Sarda-Mantel, Laure; Burg, Samuel; Le Guludec, Dominique

2012-01-01

Melorheostosis is a rare benign bone pathology which can be responsible for incapacitating pain and bone deformations. Its imaging abnormalities are often typical. We describe here the case of a patient with melorheostosis involving the lower limbs, associated with a peripheral form of inflammatory spondyloarthropathy, who underwent 18FNa positron emission tomography coupled to a computed tomography scan. Our objective is to present this new image, to show the value of this new modality and emphasize its advantages compared to the 99mTechnetium bone scan. PMID:27790007

Inversion of scattered radiance horizon profiles for gaseous concentrations and aerosol parameters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Malchow, H. L.; Whitney, C. K.

1977-01-01

Techniques have been developed and used to invert limb scan measurements for vertical profiles of atmospheric state parameters. The parameters which can be found are concentrations of Rayleigh scatters, ozone, NO2, and aerosols, and aerosol physical properties including a Junge-size distribution parameter and real and imaginary parts of the index of refraction.

Six-degree-of-freedom parallel minimanipulator with three inextensible limbs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tahmasebi, Farhad (Inventor); Tsai, Lung-Wen (Inventor)

1994-01-01

A Six-Degree-of-Freedom Parallel-Manipulator having three inextensible limbs for manipulating a platform is described. The three inextensible limbs are attached via universal joints to the platform at non-collinear points. Each of the inextensible limbs is also attached via universal joints to a two-degree-of-freedom parallel driver such as a five-bar linkage, a pantograph, or a bidirectional linear stepper motor. The drivers move the lower ends of the limbs parallel to a fixed base and thereby provide manipulation of the platform. The actuators are mounted on the fixed base without using any power transmission devices such as gears or belts.

[Analysis of the effect of detector's operating temperature on SNR in space-based remote sensor].

PubMed

Li, Zhan-feng; Wang, Shu-rong; Huang, Yu

2012-03-01

Limb viewing is a new viewing geometry for space-based atmospheric remote sensing, but the spectral radiance of atmosphere scattering reduces rapidly with limb height. So the signal-noise-ratio (SNR) is a key performance parameter of limb remote sensor. A SNR model varying with detector's temperature is proposed, based on analysis of spectral radiative transfer and noise' source in representative instruments. The SNR at limb height 70 km under space conditions was validated by simulation experiment on limb remote sensing spectrometer prototype. Theoretic analysis and experiment's results indicate congruously that when detector's temperature reduces to some extent, a maximum SNR will be reached. After considering the power consumption, thermal conductivity and other issues, optimal operating temperature of detector can be decided.

A low-cost three-dimensional laser surface scanning approach for defining body segment parameters.

PubMed

Pandis, Petros; Bull, Anthony Mj

2017-11-01

Body segment parameters are used in many different applications in ergonomics as well as in dynamic modelling of the musculoskeletal system. Body segment parameters can be defined using different methods, including techniques that involve time-consuming manual measurements of the human body, used in conjunction with models or equations. In this study, a scanning technique for measuring subject-specific body segment parameters in an easy, fast, accurate and low-cost way was developed and validated. The scanner can obtain the body segment parameters in a single scanning operation, which takes between 8 and 10 s. The results obtained with the system show a standard deviation of 2.5% in volumetric measurements of the upper limb of a mannequin and 3.1% difference between scanning volume and actual volume. Finally, the maximum mean error for the moment of inertia by scanning a standard-sized homogeneous object was 2.2%. This study shows that a low-cost system can provide quick and accurate subject-specific body segment parameter estimates.

Remote ischaemic postconditioning protects the heart during acute myocardial infarction in pigs

PubMed Central

Andreka, Gyorgy; Vertesaljai, Marton; Szantho, Gergely; Font, Gusztav; Piroth, Zsolt; Fontos, Geza; Juhasz, Eszter D; Szekely, Laszlo; Szelid, Zsolt; Turner, Mark S; Ashrafian, Houman; Frenneaux, Michael P

2007-01-01

Background Ischaemic preconditioning results in a reduction in ischaemic‐reperfusion injury to the heart. This beneficial effect is seen both with direct local preconditioning of the myocardium and with remote preconditioning of easily accessible distant non‐vital limb tissue. Ischaemic postconditioning with a comparable sequence of brief periods of local ischaemia, when applied immediately after the ischaemic insult, confers benefits similar to preconditioning. Objective To test the hypothesis that limb ischaemia induces remote postconditioning and hence reduces experimental myocardial infarct size in a validated swine model of acute myocardial infarction. Methods Acute myocardial infarction was induced in 24 pigs with 90 min balloon inflations of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Remote ischaemic postconditioning was induced in 12 of the pigs by four 5 min cycles of blood pressure cuff inflation applied to the lower limb immediately after the balloon deflation. Infarct size was assessed by measuring 72 h creatinine kinase release, MRI scan and immunohistochemical analysis. Results Area under the curve of creatinine kinase release was significantly reduced in the postconditioning group compared with the control group with a 26% reduction in the infarct size (p<0.05). This was confirmed by MRI scanning and immunohistochemical analysis that revealed a 22% (p<0.05) and a 47.52% (p<0.01) relative reduction in the infarct size, respectively. Conclusion Remote ischaemic postconditioning is a simple technique to reduce infarct size without the hazards and logistics of multiple coronary artery balloon inflations. This type of conditioning promises clear clinical potential. PMID:17449499

Risk factors correlated with plantar pressure in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Qiu, Xuan; Tian, De-Hu; Han, Chang-Ling; Chen, Wei; Wang, Zhan-Jian; Mu, Zhen-Yun; Li, Xu; Liu, Kuan-Zhi

2013-12-01

Plantar pressure is a key factor for predicting ulceration in the foot of a diabetes patient. We recruited a group of 100 Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes and an age-, sex-, weight-, and height-matched group of 100 Chinese subjects without diabetes. We obtained plantar pressure data using a Footscan(®) gait system (RsScan International, Olen, Belgium) when the subjects with and without diabetes walked barefoot across a sensor platform. We recorded the maximum force, maximum pressure, impulse, pressure-time integral, and loading rate from 10 regions of the foot. We collected the data of 11 history-based variables, 10 anthropometric variables, and three metabolic variables regarding the clinical characteristics of the diabetes patients. Weight was identified as a determining factor for high plantar pressure. Height, the Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS), and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were correlated positively with plantar pressure measurements, respectively. The sex, history of ulcer and callus, intima-media membrane of the lower limb blood vessels, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) could also explain a portion of the variability of the plantar pressure measurements. However, the correlations were low or weak. High plantar pressure in diabetes patients could be predicted, in part, based on weight, height, NSS, ABI, sex, history of ulcer and callus, intima-media membrane of the lower limb blood vessels, and FBG. Therefore, interventions should be taken specifically before high plantar pressure emerges.

Reasonable classical concepts in human lower limb anatomy from the viewpoint of the primitive persistent sciatic artery and twisting human lower limb.

PubMed

Kawashima, Tomokazu; Sasaki, Hiroshi

2010-11-01

The main aim of this review is (1) to introduce the two previous studies we published human lower limb anatomy based on the conventional macroscopic anatomical [corrected] criteria with hazardous recognition of this description, (2) to activate the discussion whether the limb homology exists, and (3) to contribute to future study filling the gap between the gross anatomy and embryology. One of the topics we discussed was the human persistent sciatic artery. To date, numerous human cases of persistent sciatic artery have been reported in which the anomalous artery was present in the posterior compartment of the thigh alongside the sciatic nerve. As one of the important criteria for assessing the human primitive sciatic artery, its ventral arterial position with respect to the sciatic nerve is reasonable based on the initial positional relationship between ventral arterial and dorsal nervous systems and comparative anatomical findings. We also discuss ways of considering the topography of muscles of the lower limb and their innervations compared to those of the upper limb. We propose a schema of the complex anatomical characteristics of the lower limb based on the vertebrate body plan. According to this reasonable schema, the twisted anatomy of the lower limb can be understood more easily. These two main ideas discussed in this paper will be useful for further understanding of the anatomy of the lower limb and as a first step for future. We hope that the future study in lower limb will be further developed by both viewpoints of the classical gross anatomy and recent embryology.

Neural mechanisms of limb position estimation in the primate brain.

PubMed

Shi, Ying; Buneo, Christopher A

2011-01-01

Understanding the neural mechanisms of limb position estimation is important both for comprehending the neural control of goal directed arm movements and for developing neuroprosthetic systems designed to replace lost limb function. Here we examined the role of area 5 of the posterior parietal cortex in estimating limb position based on visual and somatic (proprioceptive, efference copy) signals. Single unit recordings were obtained as monkeys reached to visual targets presented in a semi-immersive virtual reality environment. On half of the trials animals were required to maintain their limb position at these targets while receiving both visual and non-visual feedback of their arm position, while on the other trials visual feedback was withheld. When examined individually, many area 5 neurons were tuned to the position of the limb in the workspace but very few neurons modulated their firing rates based on the presence/absence of visual feedback. At the population level however decoding of limb position was somewhat more accurate when visual feedback was provided. These findings support a role for area 5 in limb position estimation but also suggest that visual signals regarding limb position are only weakly represented in this area, and only at the population level.

Upper limb joint forces and moments during underwater cyclical movements.

PubMed

Lauer, Jessy; Rouard, Annie Hélène; Vilas-Boas, João Paulo

2016-10-03

Sound inverse dynamics modeling is lacking in aquatic locomotion research because of the difficulty in measuring hydrodynamic forces in dynamic conditions. Here we report the successful implementation and validation of an innovative methodology crossing new computational fluid dynamics and inverse dynamics techniques to quantify upper limb joint forces and moments while moving in water. Upper limb kinematics of seven male swimmers sculling while ballasted with 4kg was recorded through underwater motion capture. Together with body scans, segment inertial properties, and hydrodynamic resistances computed from a unique dynamic mesh algorithm capable to handle large body deformations, these data were fed into an inverse dynamics model to solve for joint kinetics. Simulation validity was assessed by comparing the impulse produced by the arms, calculated by integrating vertical forces over a stroke period, to the net theoretical impulse of buoyancy and ballast forces. A resulting gap of 1.2±3.5% provided confidence in the results. Upper limb joint load was within 5% of swimmer׳s body weight, which tends to supports the use of low-load aquatic exercises to reduce joint stress. We expect this significant methodological improvement to pave the way towards deeper insights into the mechanics of aquatic movement and the establishment of practice guidelines in rehabilitation, fitness or swimming performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Use of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as a liquid embolic agent to treat a peripheral arteriovenous malformation in a dog

PubMed Central

Culp, William T. N.; Glaiberman, Craig B.; Pollard, Rachel E.; Wisner, Erik R.

2015-01-01

Case Description An 11-year-old castrated male Tibetan Mastiff was evaluated because of a visibly enlarged blood vessel and progressively worsening swelling of the right hind limb. Clinical Findings On physical examination, the right hind limb was markedly larger than the left hind limb and the dog was minimally weight bearing on the affected limb. A bruit was auscultated over the affected region. Ultrasonography of the tarsal region of the right hind limb revealed an artery with turbulent flow that communicated with venous drainage. A CT scan confirmed the presence of an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Treatment and Outcome Embolization of the AVM with a liquid embolic agent (ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide) was elected. An arteriogram was performed prior to treatment and delineated the vessels that were targeted for embolization. The embolic agent was infused into the AVM, and a postinjection arteriogram confirmed complete occlusion of the AVM nidus and normal arterial flow to the paw with subsequent normal venous drainage. The circumference of the abnormal paw was 51 cm before the procedure and 22.9 cm at 4 weeks after the procedure. Additionally, the gait of the dog dramatically improved. No complications associated with the procedure developed. Clinical Relevance Peripheral AVMs in dogs are uncommon, and described treatment options are limited and generally associated with serious morbidity. A liquid embolic agent, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide, was successfully administered in this case, and no morbidity was observed secondary to the procedure. Clinical success was characterized by substantial improvement in limb swelling and marked improvement in the gait of the dog. PMID:24984133

Bioelectric analyses of an osseointegrated intelligent implant design system for amputees.

PubMed

Isaacson, Brad M; Stinstra, Jeroen G; MacLeod, Rob S; Webster, Joseph B; Beck, James P; Bloebaum, Roy D

2009-07-15

The projected number of American amputees is expected to rise to 3.6 million by 2050. Many of these individuals depend on artificial limbs to perform routine activities, but prosthetic suspensions using traditional socket technology can prove to be cumbersome and uncomfortable for a person with limb loss. Moreover, for those with high proximal amputations, limited residual limb length may prevent exoprosthesis attachment all together. Osseointegrated implant technology is a novel operative procedure which allows firm skeletal attachment between the host bone and an implant. Preliminary results in European amputees with osseointegrated implants have shown improved clinical outcomes by allowing direct transfer of loads to the bone-implant interface. Despite the apparent advantages of osseointegration over socket technology, the current rehabilitation procedures require long periods of restrictive load bearing prior which may be reduced with expedited skeletal attachment via electrical stimulation. The goal of the osseointegrated intelligent implant design (OIID) system is to make the implant part of an electrical system to accelerate skeletal attachment and help prevent periprosthetic infection. To determine optimal electrode size and placement, we initiated proof of concept with computational modeling of the electric fields and current densities that arise during electrical stimulation of amputee residual limbs. In order to provide insure patient safety, subjects with retrospective computed tomography scans were selected and three dimensional reconstructions were created using customized software programs to ensure anatomical accuracy (Seg3D and SCIRun) in an IRB and HIPAA approved study. These software packages supported the development of patient specific models and allowed for interactive manipulation of electrode position and size. Preliminary results indicate that electric fields and current densities can be generated at the implant interface to achieve the homogenous electric field distributions required to induce osteoblast migration, enhance skeletal fixation and may help prevent periprosthetic infections. Based on the electrode configurations experimented with in the model, an external two band configuration will be advocated in the future.

Comparative musculoskeletal anatomy of chameleon limbs, with implications for the evolution of arboreal locomotion in lizards and for teratology.

PubMed

Molnar, Julia L; Diaz, Raul E; Skorka, Tautis; Dagliyan, Grant; Diogo, Rui

2017-09-01

Chameleon species have recently been adopted as models for evo-devo and macroevolutionary processes. However, most anatomical and developmental studies of chameleons focus on the skeleton, and information about their soft tissues is scarce. Here, we provide a detailed morphological description based on contrast enhanced micro-CT scans and dissections of the adult phenotype of all the forelimb and hindlimb muscles of the Veiled Chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus) and compare these muscles with those of other chameleons and lizards. We found the appendicular muscle anatomy of chameleons to be surprisingly conservative considering the remarkable structural and functional modifications of the limb skeleton, particularly the distal limb regions. For instance, the zygodactyl autopodia of chameleons are unique among tetrapods, and the carpals and tarsals are highly modified in shape and number. However, most of the muscles usually present in the manus and pes of other lizards are present in the same configuration in chameleons. The most obvious muscular features related to the peculiar opposable autopodia of chameleons are: (1) presence of broad, V-shaped plantar and palmar aponeuroses, and absence of intermetacarpales and intermetatarsales, between the digits separated by the cleft in each autopod; (2) oblique orientation of the superficial short flexors originating from these aponeuroses, which may allow these muscles to act as powerful adductors of the "super-digits"; and (3) well-developed abductor digiti minimi muscles and abductor pollicis/hallucis brevis muscles, which may act as powerful abductors of the "super-digits." © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Terrestrial laser scanning and a degenerated cylinder model to determine gross morphological change of cadavers under conditions of natural decomposition.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiao; Glennie, Craig L; Bucheli, Sibyl R; Lindgren, Natalie K; Lynne, Aaron M

2014-08-01

Decomposition can be a highly variable process with stages that are difficult to quantify. Using high accuracy terrestrial laser scanning a repeated three-dimensional (3D) documentation of volumetric changes of a human body during early decomposition is recorded. To determine temporal volumetric variations as well as 3D distribution of the changed locations in the body over time, this paper introduces the use of multiple degenerated cylinder models to provide a reasonable approximation of body parts against which 3D change can be measured and visualized. An iterative closest point algorithm is used for 3D registration, and a method for determining volumetric change is presented. Comparison of the laser scanning estimates of volumetric change shows good agreement with repeated in-situ measurements of abdomen and limb circumference that were taken diurnally. The 3D visualizations of volumetric changes demonstrate that bloat is a process with a beginning, middle, and end rather than a state of presence or absence. Additionally, the 3D visualizations show conclusively that cadaver bloat is not isolated to the abdominal cavity, but also occurs in the limbs. Detailed quantification of the bloat stage of decay has the potential to alter how the beginning and end of bloat are determined by researchers and can provide further insight into the effects of the ecosystem on decomposition. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Stance-phase force on the opposite limb dictates swing-phase afferent presynaptic inhibition during locomotion

PubMed Central

Hayes, Heather Brant; Chang, Young-Hui

2012-01-01

Presynaptic inhibition is a powerful mechanism for selectively and dynamically gating sensory inputs entering the spinal cord. We investigated how hindlimb mechanics influence presynaptic inhibition during locomotion using pioneering approaches in an in vitro spinal cord–hindlimb preparation. We recorded lumbar dorsal root potentials to measure primary afferent depolarization-mediated presynaptic inhibition and compared their dependence on hindlimb endpoint forces, motor output, and joint kinematics. We found that stance-phase force on the opposite limb, particularly at toe contact, strongly influenced the magnitude and timing of afferent presynaptic inhibition in the swinging limb. Presynaptic inhibition increased in proportion to opposite limb force, as well as locomotor frequency. This form of presynaptic inhibition binds the sensorimotor states of the two limbs, adjusting sensory inflow to the swing limb based on forces generated by the stance limb. Functionally, it may serve to adjust swing-phase sensory transmission based on locomotor task, speed, and step-to-step environmental perturbations. PMID:22442562

Upper limb load as a function of repetitive task parameters: part 1--a model of upper limb load.

PubMed

Roman-Liu, Danuta

2005-01-01

The aim of the study was to develop a theoretical indicator of upper limb musculoskeletal load based on repetitive task parameters. As such the dimensionless parameter, Integrated Cycle Load (ICL) was accepted. It expresses upper limb load which occurs during 1 cycle. The indicator is based on a model of a repetitive task, which consists of a model of the upper limb, a model of basic types of upper limb forces and a model of parameters of a repetitive task such as length of the cycle, length of periods of the cycle and external force exerted during each of the periods of the cycle. Calculations of the ICL parameter were performed for 12 different variants of external load characterised by different values of repetitive task parameters. A comparison of ICL, which expresses external load with a physiological indicator of upper limb load, is presented in Part 2 of the paper.

New Developments in the SCIAMACHY Level 2 Ground Processor Towards Version 7

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meringer, Markus; Noël, Stefan; Lichtenberg, Günter; Lerot, Christophe; Theys, Nicolas; Fehr, Thorsten; Dehn, Angelika; Liebing, Patricia; Gretschany, Sergei

2016-07-01

SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric ChartographY) aboard ESA's environmental satellite ENVISAT observed the Earth's atmosphere in limb, nadir, and solar/lunar occultation geometries covering the UV-Visible to NIR spectral range. It is a joint project of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and was launched in February 2002. SCIAMACHY doubled its originally planned in-orbit lifetime of five years before the communication to ENVISAT was severed in April 2012, and the mission entered its post-operational phase. In order to preserve the best quality of the outstanding data recorded by SCIAMACHY, data processors are still being updated. This presentation will highlight three new developments that are currently being incorporated into the forthcoming version 7 of ESA's operational level 2 processor: 1. Tropospheric BrO, a new retrieval based on the scientific algorithm of (Theys et al., 2011). This algorithm had originally been developed for the GOME-2 sensor and was later adapted for SCIAMACHY. The main principle of the new algorithm is to split BrO total columns, which are already an operational product, into stratospheric VCD_{strat} and tropospheric VCD_{trop} fractions. BrO VCD_{strat} is determined from a climatological approach, driven by SCIAMACHY O_3 and NO_2 observations. Tropospheric vertical column densities are then determined as difference VCD_{trop}=VCD_{total}-VCD_{strat}. 2. Improved cloud flagging using limb measurements (Liebing, 2015). Limb cloud flags are already part of the SCIAMACHY L2 product. They are currently calculated employing the scientific algorithm developed by (Eichmann et al., 2015). Clouds are categorized into four types: water, ice, polar stratospheric and noctilucent clouds. High atmospheric aerosol loadings, however, often lead to spurious cloud flags, when aerosols had been misidentified as clouds. The new algorithm will better discriminate between aerosol and clouds. It will also have a higher sensitivity w.r.t. thin clouds. 3. A new, future-proof file format for the level 2 product based on NetCDF. The data format will be aligned and harmonized with other missions, particularly GOME and Sentinels. The final concept for the new format is still under discussion within the SCIAMACHY Quality Working Group. References: K.-U. Eichmann et al.: Global cloud top height retrieval using SCIAMACHY limb spectra: model studies and first results, Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 8, 8295-8352, 2015. P. Liebing: New Limb Cloud Detection Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document, 2016. N. Theys et al.: Global observations of tropospheric BrO columns using GOME-2 satellite data, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1791-1811, 2011.

[The loss of work fitness and the course of invalidism in patients with limb vessel lesions].

PubMed

Chernenko, V F; Goncharenko, A G; Shuvalov, A Iu; Chernenko, V V; Tarasov, I V

2005-01-01

The growth of the sick rate of limb peripheral vessels associated with a severe outcome (trophic ulcers, amputation) exerts an appreciable effect on the lowering of quality of life in patients. This manifests by the prolonged loss of work fitness, change of the habitual occupation and disability establishment. Objective analytical information on this problem will be of help in the delineation of the tendencies in this direction and potential approaches to the prevention of social losses. The present work is based on an analysis of 2115 statements of medicosocial expert evaluation (MSEE) of invalids suffering from diseases of limb vessels, performed over recent 8 years in the Altai region. The decisions made by the MSEE were based on the results of the clinical examination of patients using the current diagnostic modalities (ultrasonography, duplex scanning, angiography, etc). It has been established that among persons who had undergone MSEE, over the half (64.1%) were under 60 years, i.e. in the age of work fitness. It is noteworthy that the overwhelming number of invalids were men (83%) and workers (84.2%). As for special vascular pathologies, the majority of patients presented with obliterative arterial diseases (OAD) of the lower limbs, accounting for 76.3% whereas patients with venous pathology ranked second in number (15.9%). The highest severity of invalidism (groups I and II) was also recorded in OAD (77.5%), especially in atherosclerosis obliterans (AO) which accounted for 84%. Of note, these diseases were marked by no tendency toward reduction of their incidence. The time of temporary disability (from 3 to 9 months) was also most frequently recorded in OAD of the limbs. In OAD, the temporary or persistent loss of work fitness were caused by critical ischemia and amputations whereas in venous pathology, namely in varicosity and post-thrombophlebotic syndrome, the cause was progressing CVI complicated by trophic ulcers. On the whole, the lack of changes in the lowering of the number of invalids due to the given pathology evidences the unsatisfactory results of these patients' rehabilitation and the high socioeconomic tension determined by considerable treatment expenses and the high number of the disabled. Approaches to the escape from such a situation should be looked for in the early mass screening diagnosis of vascular lesions, early drug and surgical treatment and in the refinement of the system of rehabilitation prophylactic medical examination.

Motor Impairment Evaluation for Upper Limb in Stroke Patients on the Basis of a Microsensor

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Huang, Shuai; Luo, Chun; Ye, Shiwei; Liu, Fei; Xie, Bin; Wang, Caifeng; Yang, Li; Huang, Zhen; Wu, Jiankang

2012-01-01

There has been an urgent need for an effective and efficient upper limb rehabilitation method for poststroke patients. We present a Micro-Sensor-based Upper Limb rehabilitation System for poststroke patients. The wearable motion capture units are attached to upper limb segments embedded in the fabric of garments. The body segment orientation…

Recovery of decreased bone mineral mass after lower-limb fractures in adolescents.

PubMed

Ceroni, Dimitri; Martin, Xavier E; Delhumeau, Cécile; Farpour-Lambert, Nathalie J; De Coulon, Geraldo; Dubois-Ferrière, Victor; Rizzoli, René

2013-06-05

Loss of bone mineral mass, muscle atrophy, and functional limitations are predictable consequences of immobilization and subsequent weight-bearing restriction due to leg or ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to prospectively determine whether decreased bone mineral mass following lower-limb fractures recovers at follow-up durations of six and eighteen months in adolescents. In the present study, we included fifty adolescents who underwent cast immobilization for a leg or ankle fracture. Dual x-ray absorptiometry scans of four different sites (total hip, femoral neck, entire lower limb, and calcaneus) were performed at the time of the fracture, at cast removal, and at follow-ups of six and eighteen months. Patients with fractures were paired with healthy controls according to sex, age, and ethnicity. Dual x-ray absorptiometry values were compared between groups and between injured and non-injured legs in adolescents with fractures. Among those with fractures, lower-limb bone mineral variables were significantly lower at the injured side compared with the non-injured side at cast removal, with differences ranging from 6.2% to 31.7% (p < 0.0001). Similarly, injured adolescents had significantly lower bone mineral values at the level of the injured lower limb compared with healthy controls (p < 0.0001). At the six-month follow-up, there were still significant residual differences between injured and non-injured legs in adolescents with fractures (p < 0.0001). However, a significant residual difference between healthy controls and injured adolescents was present only for femoral neck bone mineral density (p = 0.011). At the eighteen-month follow-up, no significant difference was observed at any lower-limb site. Bone mineral loss following a fracture of the lower limb in adolescents is highly significant and affects the lower limb both proximal to and distal to the fracture site. In contrast to observations in adults, a rapid bone mass reversal occurs with full bone recovery by eighteen months. Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jatmiko, A. T. P.; Puannandra, G. P.; Hapsari, R. D.

Lunar Occultation (LO) is an event where limb of the Moon passing over a particular heavenly bodies such as stars, asteroids, or planets. In other words, during the event, stars, asteroids and planets are occulted by the Moon. When occulted objects contact the lunar limb, there will be a diffraction fringe(s) which can be measured photometrically, until the signal vanishes into noise. This event will give us a valuable information about binarities (of stars) and/or angular diameters estimation (of stars, planets, asteroids) in milliarcsecond resolution, by fitting with theoretical LO pattern. CCDs are common for LO observation because of itsmore » fast read out, and recently are developed for sub-meter class telescope. In this paper, our LO observation attempt of μ Sgr and its progress report are presented. The observation was conducted on July 30{sup th}, 2012 at Bosscha Observatory, Indonesia, using 45cm f/12 GOTO telescope combined with ST-9 XE CCD camera and Bessel B filter. We used drift-scan method to obtain light curve of the star as it was disappearing behind Moon's dark limb. Our goal is to detect binarity (or multiplicity) of this particular object.« less

Differentiated norepinephrine spillover in human skeletal muscle.

PubMed

Karlsson, A K; Elam, M; Lönnroth, P; Sullivan, L; Friberg, P

1997-07-01

Most neurophysiological studies have shown similar sympathetic outflow to arm and leg. However, some direct microneurographic recordings indicate differentiated sympathetic outflow to limbs both at rest and during mental stress. Hence, differentiated levels of norepinephrine (NE) spillover could prevail. By steady-state infusion of [3H]NE and body composition determination by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-scan, we simultaneously assessed arm and leg NE spillover related to 100 g tissue and total limb weight. NE spillover was lower in leg than arm (0.26 vs. 1.51 pmol.min-1.100 g-1, P < 0.05), and the difference remained when expressed as a function of total limb weight (66 vs. 137 pmol/min, P < 0.05). Fractional extraction of [3H]NE was similar in arm and leg. Neuronal uptake blockade by desipramine was more effective in leg than arm; fractional extraction in leg decreased by 32% (P < 0.05) but was unaltered in arm. Thus a lower NE spillover was observed from leg than arm, possibly reflecting a lower sympathetic outflow and a more neuronally dependent reuptake.

“A New Reconstructive Method after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: the Triple Roux on a “P” Loop. Rationale and Radionuclide Scanning Evaluatlon.”

PubMed Central

Cariati, Erminio

1996-01-01

We propose a method of reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy consisting of a double Roux en Y on the same jejunal loop without interruption of the mesentery and a third anatomical Roux en Y to reconstitute the alimentary tract. The construction of the double Roux en Y draining pancreas and bile ducts separately, requires a linear Stapler 3-4 centimeters from the biliary anastomosis. In this way, by employing the same loop without mesenteric interruption, two functional excluded loops will be ’obtained. The rationale of the suggested model is based on the separation of biliary and pancreatic secretions. This makes it possible to avoid a stagnant cul-de-sac coinciding with the pancreaticojejunal anastomosis and to obtain in the case of leakage, a pure biliary and/or pancreatic fistula as far as is possible. 99mTc HIDA scans demonstrated the efficiency, of the biliopancreatic limbs of the reconstruction, showing normal emptying time for the gastric remnant and the absence of radionuclide stagnation or any alkaline enterogastric reflux. PMID:8809583

Gas gangrene in the diabetic foot: lessons learned from a salvaged limb.

PubMed

Aerden, D; Lipsky, B A; Denecker, N; Nieboer, K; Keymeulen, B

2014-01-01

A 55 year old man was seen in the emergency department with an infected right foot and sepsis. Examination of the right foot revealed subcutaneous crepitus from the metatarsal head up to the tarsus; interstitial and intramedullary gas was confirmed on x-rays and computed tomographic scans. During 44 days of hospitalization, the patient was treated with multiple courses of antibiotic therapy, various wound care modalities (including negative wound pressure therapy) and several surgical interventions (debridements, amputations, revascularizations and reconstructive plastic surgery). Although limb salvage was ultimately accomplished, in retrospect many management decisions were suboptimal. A critical reassessment of our approach to this patient allowed us to identify several areas for improvement and this audit provided us an opportunity to learn from managing this difficult case.

Modification of hemiplegic compensatory gait pattern by symmetry-based motion controller of HAL.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Kadone, Hideki; Sakurai, Takeru; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2015-01-01

As one of several characteristics of hemiplegic patients after stroke, compensatory gait caused by affected limb is often seen. The purpose of this research is to apply a symmetry-based controller of a wearable type lower limb robot, Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) to hemiplegic patients with compensatory gait, and to investigate improvement of gait symmetry. The controller is designed respectively for swing phase and support phase according to characteristics of hemiplegic gait pattern. The controller during swing phase stores the motion of the unaffected limb and then provides motion support on the affected limb during the subsequent swing using the stored pattern to realize symmetric gait based on spontaneous limb swing. Moreover, the controller during support phase provides motion to extend hip and knee joints to support wearer's body. Clinical tests were conducted in order to assess the modification of gait symmetry. Our case study involved participation of one chronic stroke patient who performs abnormally-compensatory gait for both of the affected and unaffected limbs. As a result, the patient's gait symmetry was improved by providing motion support during the swing phase on the affected side and motion constraint during the support phase on the unaffected side. The study showed promising basis for the effectiveness of the controller for the future clinical study.

Effects of a Home-Based Upper Limb Training Program in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Ortiz-Rubio, Araceli; Cabrera-Martos, Irene; Rodríguez-Torres, Janet; Fajardo-Contreras, Waldo; Díaz-Pelegrina, Ana; Valenza, Marie Carmen

2016-12-01

To evaluate the effects of a home-based upper limb training program on arm function in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Additionally, the effects of this program on manual dexterity, handgrip strength, and finger prehension force were analyzed. Randomized, single-blind controlled trial. Home based. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MS acknowledging impaired manual ability (N=37) were randomized into 2 groups. Patients in the experimental group were included in a supervised home-based upper limb training program for 8 weeks twice a week. Patients in the control group received information in the form of a leaflet with a schedule of upper limb exercise training. The primary outcome measure was arm function (motor functioning assessed using the finger tapping test and a functional measure, the Action Research Arm Test). The secondary outcome measures were manual dexterity assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test and handgrip strength and finger prehension force evaluated with a handgrip and a pinch dynamometer, respectively. After 8 weeks, a significant between-group improvement (P<.05) was found on the Action Research Arm Test bilaterally and the finger tapping test in the most affected upper limb. The secondary outcomes also improved in the most affected limb in the experimental group. An 8-week home-based intervention program focused on upper limbs twice a week improved arm function and physiologic variables with a primary focus on the more affected extremity in patients with MS compared with the control group. Copyright © 2016 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Turning a cylindrical treadmill with feet: an MR-compatible device for assessment of the neural correlates of lower-limb movement.

PubMed

Toyomura, Akira; Yokosawa, Koichi; Shimojo, Atsushi; Fujii, Tetsunoshin; Kuriki, Shinya

2018-06-17

Locomotion, which is one of the most basic motor functions, is critical for performing various daily-life activities. Despite its essential function, assessment of brain activity during lower-limb movement is still limited because of the constraints of existing brain imaging methods. Here, we describe an MR-compatible, cylindrical treadmill device that allows participants to perform stepping movements on an MRI scanner table. The device was constructed from wood and all of the parts were handmade by the authors. We confirmed the MR-compatibility of the device by evaluating the temporal signal-to-noise ratio of 64 voxels of a phantom during scanning. Brain activity was measured while twenty participants turned the treadmill with feet in sync with metronome sounds. The rotary speed of the cylinder was encoded by optical fibers. The post/pre-central gyrus and cerebellum showed significant activity during the movements, which was comparable to the activity patterns reported in previous studies. Head movement on the y- and z-axes was influenced more by lower-limb movement than was head movement on the x-axis. Among the 60 runs (3 runs × 20 participants), head movement during two of the runs (3.3%) was excessive due to the lower-limb movement. Compared to MR-compatible devices proposed in the previous studies, the advantage of this device may be simple structure and replicability to realize stepping movement with a supine position. Collectively, our results suggest that the treadmill device is useful for evaluating lower-limb-related neural activity. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Iatrogenic injuries of the common femoral artery (CFA) and external iliac artery (EIA) during endograft placement: an underdiagnosed entity.

PubMed

Hingorani, Anil P; Ascher, Enrico; Marks, Natalie; Shiferson, Alexander; Patel, Nirav; Gopal, Kapil; Jacob, Theresa

2009-09-01

Early limb occlusions following endovascular treatment of aorto-iliac aneurysmal disease is not uncommon (4%-13%). To assess whether the femoral artery entry site could potentially cause this complication, we prospectively evaluated the ipsilateral common femoral artery (CFA) and distal external iliac artery (EIA) with intraoperative duplex scans (IDS). There were 134 patients with infrarenal nonruptured abdominal aorto-iliac aneurysms treated with endografts since 2002 at our institution. Age ranged from 65 to 89 years (mean: 77 +/- 7 years). Aneuryx (n = 41), Zenith (n = 50), and Excluder (n = 43) endografts were used for repair. All procedures were performed via open exposure of the CFA. Introducer diameter varied from 12 mm to 22 mm. All patients underwent IDS of the CFA and distal EIA after repair of the arteriotomies. In 34 patients (25%), we documented intimal dissections causing severe (>70%) stenoses. Of the 271 arteries that were examined, 38 (14%) had abnormal findings that demanded intervention. These were repaired with flap excision, tacking sutures revision, or patch angioplasty (n = 36). Repeat IDS confirmed the adequacy of the repair. No statistical difference was noted if the site of larger introducer sheath and the incidence of flap formation. In addition, 10 small flaps or plaques were visualized but did not create significant stenosis. No differences were noted in the incidence of positive duplex exams between each type graft (P = .4). No early or late iliac limb occlusions were noted. Follow-up of 94% was obtained. Completion arterial duplex scans are helpful in detecting a substantial number of clinically unsuspected technical defects caused by introducer sheaths. Timely diagnosis and repair of these defects may decrease the incidence of early limb occlusion following endograft placement.

Bone tissue, blood lipids and inflammatory profiles in adolescent male athletes from sports contrasting in mechanical load.

PubMed

Agostinete, Ricardo R; Duarte, João P; Valente-Dos-Santos, João; Coelho-E-Silva, Manuel J; Tavares, Oscar M; Conde, Jorge M; Fontes-Ribeiro, Carlos A; Condello, Giancarlo; Capranica, Laura; Caires, Suziane U; Fernandes, Rômulo A

2017-01-01

Exploring the effect of non-impact and impact sports is particular relevant to understand the interaction between skeletal muscle and bone health during growth. The current study aimed to compare total and regional bone and soft-tissue composition, in parallel to measurements of blood lipid and inflammatory profiles between adolescent athletes and non-athletes. Anthropometry, biological maturity, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, training load and lipid and inflammatory profiles were assessed in a cross-sectional sample of 53 male adolescents (20 non-athletes, 15 swimmers and 18 basketball players) aged 12-19 years. Multiple comparisons between groups were performed using analysis of variance, covariance and magnitude effects (ES-r and Cohen's d). The comparisons of controls with other groups were very large for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (d range: 2.17-2.92). The differences between sports disciplines, regarding tissue outputs obtained from DXA scan were moderate for all variables except fat tissue (d = 0.4). It was possible to determine small differences (ES-r = 0.17) between controls and swimmers for bone area at the lower limbs (13.0%). In parallel, between swimmers and basketball players, the gradient of the differences was small (ES-r range: 0.15-0.23) for bone mineral content (24.6%), bone area (11.3%) and bone mineral density (11.1%) at the lower limbs, favoring the basketball players. These observations highlight that youth male athletes presented better blood and soft tissues profiles with respect to controls. Furthermore, sport-specific differences emerged for the lower limbs, with basketball players presenting higher bone mineral content, area and density than swimmers.

Bone tissue, blood lipids and inflammatory profiles in adolescent male athletes from sports contrasting in mechanical load

PubMed Central

Agostinete, Ricardo R.; Duarte, João P.; Valente-dos-Santos, João; Tavares, Oscar M.; Conde, Jorge M.; Fontes-Ribeiro, Carlos A.; Condello, Giancarlo; Capranica, Laura; Caires, Suziane U.; Fernandes, Rômulo A.

2017-01-01

Exploring the effect of non-impact and impact sports is particular relevant to understand the interaction between skeletal muscle and bone health during growth. The current study aimed to compare total and regional bone and soft-tissue composition, in parallel to measurements of blood lipid and inflammatory profiles between adolescent athletes and non-athletes. Anthropometry, biological maturity, dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, training load and lipid and inflammatory profiles were assessed in a cross-sectional sample of 53 male adolescents (20 non-athletes, 15 swimmers and 18 basketball players) aged 12–19 years. Multiple comparisons between groups were performed using analysis of variance, covariance and magnitude effects (ES-r and Cohen’s d). The comparisons of controls with other groups were very large for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (d range: 2.17–2.92). The differences between sports disciplines, regarding tissue outputs obtained from DXA scan were moderate for all variables except fat tissue (d = 0.4). It was possible to determine small differences (ES-r = 0.17) between controls and swimmers for bone area at the lower limbs (13.0%). In parallel, between swimmers and basketball players, the gradient of the differences was small (ES-r range: 0.15–0.23) for bone mineral content (24.6%), bone area (11.3%) and bone mineral density (11.1%) at the lower limbs, favoring the basketball players. These observations highlight that youth male athletes presented better blood and soft tissues profiles with respect to controls. Furthermore, sport-specific differences emerged for the lower limbs, with basketball players presenting higher bone mineral content, area and density than swimmers. PMID:28662190

Fracture and distant migration of the Bard Recovery filter: a retrospective review of 363 implantations for potentially life-threatening complications.

PubMed

Tam, Matthew D; Spain, James; Lieber, Michael; Geisinger, Michael; Sands, Mark J; Wang, Weiping

2012-02-01

To report the occurrence of fracture of the Recovery filter and incidence of potentially life-threatening complications associated with fractured fragment migration. A retrospective study of images obtained after placement of Recovery inferior vena cava (IVC) filters from 2003 to 2006 was conducted at a single tertiary-care center. Images were reevaluated for fracture and migration; complications related to filter fracture were investigated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between time in situ and fracture. A total of 363 Recovery filters were placed; 97 were retrieved, leaving 266 filters in situ (135 patients subsequently died of other causes). The following images were evaluated: 130 chest computed tomography (CT) scans, 153 abdominal CT scans, 254 chest radiographs, 148 radiographs of the abdomen/pelvis, and 106 cavagrams. Mean imaging follow-up interval was 18.4 months (maximum, 81.3 mo). No en bloc migration occurred outside the IVC. Twenty-six limb fractures (all short limbs) were identified in 20 patients; the earliest occurred at 4.1 months. Eight fragment migrations occurred into pulmonary arteries, seven into iliac/femoral veins, one into the right ventricle, and one into the renal vein. Seven fragments were intracaval near the filter, one was extracaval, and one could not be located. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates predicted a fracture rate of 40% at 5.5 years. Of the 20 patients with filter fractures, three died of unrelated causes and 17 remain asymptomatic. Recovery filter fractures occurred at the short limb only, with a suggested 5.5-year fracture risk of 40%. No life-threatening events occurred in patients with filter fracture. Copyright © 2012 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effect of Posterior Horn Medial Meniscus Root Tear on In Vivo Knee Kinematics.

PubMed

Marsh, Chelsea A; Martin, Daniel E; Harner, Christopher D; Tashman, Scott

2014-07-01

Medial meniscus root tear (MMRT) is a recently recognized yet frequently missed meniscal tear pattern that biomechanically creates an environment approaching meniscal deficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of MMRT on tibiofemoral kinematics and arthrokinematics during daily activities by comparing the injured knees of subjects with isolated MMRT to their uninjured contralateral knees. The hypothesis was that the injured knee will demonstrate significantly more lateral tibial translation and adduction than the uninjured knee, and that the medial compartment will exhibit significantly different arthrokinematics than the lateral compartment in the affected limb. Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Seven subjects with isolated MMRT were recruited and volumetric, density-based 3-dimensional models of their distal femurs and proximal tibia were created from computed tomography scans. High-speed, biplane radiographs were obtained of both their affected and unaffected knees. Moving 3-dimensional models of tibiofemoral kinematics were calculated using model-based tracking to assess overall kinematic variables and specific measures of tibiofemoral joint contact. The affected knees of the subjects were then compared to their unaffected contralateral knees. Affected knees demonstrated significantly more lateral tibial translation than the uninjured contralateral limb in all dynamic activities. Additionally, the medial compartment displayed greater amounts of mobility than the lateral compartment in the injured limbs. This study suggests that MMRT causes significant changes in in vivo knee kinematics and arthrokinematics and that the magnitude of these changes is influenced by dynamic task difficulty. Medial meniscus root tears lead to significant changes in joint arthrokinematics, with increased lateral tibial translation and greater medial compartment excursion. With complete root tears, essentially 100% of circumferential fibers are lost. This study will further our knowledge of meniscal deficiency and osteoarthritis and provide a baseline for more common forms of medial meniscal injuries (vertical, horizontal, radial), with various degrees of circumferential fiber function remaining.

Investigation of the dependence of joint contact forces on musculotendon parameters using a codified workflow for image-based modelling.

PubMed

Modenese, Luca; Montefiori, Erica; Wang, Anqi; Wesarg, Stefan; Viceconti, Marco; Mazzà, Claudia

2018-05-17

The generation of subject-specific musculoskeletal models of the lower limb has become a feasible task thanks to improvements in medical imaging technology and musculoskeletal modelling software. Nevertheless, clinical use of these models in paediatric applications is still limited for what concerns the estimation of muscle and joint contact forces. Aiming to improve the current state of the art, a methodology to generate highly personalized subject-specific musculoskeletal models of the lower limb based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans was codified as a step-by-step procedure and applied to data from eight juvenile individuals. The generated musculoskeletal models were used to simulate 107 gait trials using stereophotogrammetric and force platform data as input. To ensure completeness of the modelling procedure, muscles' architecture needs to be estimated. Four methods to estimate muscles' maximum isometric force and two methods to estimate musculotendon parameters (optimal fiber length and tendon slack length) were assessed and compared, in order to quantify their influence on the models' output. Reported results represent the first comprehensive subject-specific model-based characterization of juvenile gait biomechanics, including profiles of joint kinematics and kinetics, muscle forces and joint contact forces. Our findings suggest that, when musculotendon parameters were linearly scaled from a reference model and the muscle force-length-velocity relationship was accounted for in the simulations, realistic knee contact forces could be estimated and these forces were not sensitive the method used to compute muscle maximum isometric force. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Long-term Global Morphology of Gravity Wave Activity Using UARS Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckermann, Stephen D.; Jackman, C. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

An extensive body of research this quarter is documented. Further methodical analysis of temperature residuals in Cryogenic Limb Array Etalon Spectrometer (CLAES) Version 8 level 3AT data show signatures during December 1992 at middle and high northern latitudes that, when compared to Naval Research Laboratory/Mountain Wave Forecast Model (NRL)/(MWFM) mountain wave hindcasts, reveal evidence of long mountain waves in these data over Eurasia, Greenland, Scandinavia and North America. The explicit detection of gravity waves in limb-scanned Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) temperatures is modeled at length, to derive visibility functions. These insights are used to convert CRISTA gravity wave temperature residuals into data that more closely resemble gravity wave fluctuations detected in data from other satellite instruments, such as Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), Limb Infrared Monitor of the Stratosphere (LIMS) and Global Positioning System/Meteorology (GPS)/(MET). Finally, newly issued mesospheric temperatures from inversion of CRISTA 15gin emissions are analyzed using a new method that uses separate Kalman fits to the ascending and descending node data. This allows us to study global gravity wave amplitudes at two local times, 12 hours apart. In the equatorial mesosphere, where a large diurnal tidal temperature signal exists, we see modulations of gravity wave activity that are consistent with gravity wave-tidal interactions produced by tidal temperature variability.

Change in residual limb size over time in the NU-FlexSIV socket: A case study.

PubMed

Fatone, Stefania; Yohay, Jessica; Caldwell, Ryan

2018-05-01

This case study represented a unique opportunity wherein a long-time user of sub-ischial sockets had kept nearly every socket he wore for a decade. This individual let us borrow these sockets so we could digitize them and indirectly assess change in residual limb size over time by calculating changes in socket volume and circumferences over time. Case Description and Methods: Over a decade, the subject maintained a relatively stable body weight of 84-88 kg and received nine sub-ischial sockets. The internal surface of each socket was scanned using a mechanical digitizer and volume and circumferences calculated. Findings and Outcomes: Socket volume increased 31.3%, from a low of 2659.2 cm 3 for the oldest socket to a high of 3490.6 cm 3 for the most recent socket. Proximal circumferences increased more than distal circumferences with a 15.9% total increase proximally versus 8.9% total increase distally. The results suggest that this individual's residual limb increased in size over time despite the compressive effect of the socket and liner. In addition, the increase in circumference was greater proximally than distally, which is where the remaining muscle bellies are located. Clinical relevance This case study provides insight into the long-term effect of the sub-ischial socket on residual limb volume given compression of the soft tissues by the socket system.

Comparison of LDPI to SPECT perfusion imaging using (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (99m)Tc-pyrophosphate in a murine ischemic hind limb model of neovascularization.

PubMed

Hendrikx, Geert; Vries, Mark H; Bauwens, Matthias; De Saint-Hubert, Marijke; Wagenaar, Allard; Guillaume, Joël; Boonen, Levinia; Post, Mark J; Mottaghy, Felix M

2016-12-01

We aimed to determine the accuracy of laser Doppler perfusion imaging (LDPI) in an animal model for hind limb ischemia. We used a murine (C57Bl/6 mice) ischemic hind limb model in which we compared LDPI with the clinically used (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT perfusion imaging (n = 7). In addition, we used the SPECT tracer (99m)Tc-pyrophosphate ((99m)Tc-PyP) to image muscular damage (n = 6). LDPI indicated a quick and prominent decrease in perfusion immediately after ligation, subsequently recovering to 21.9 and 25.2 % 14 days later in the (99m)Tc-sestamibi and (99m)Tc-PyP group, respectively. (99m)Tc-sestamibi SPECT scans also showed a quick decrease in perfusion. However, nearly full recovery was reached 7 days post ligation. Muscular damage, indicated by the uptake of (99m)Tc-PyP, was highest at day 3 and recovered to baseline levels at day 14 post ligation. Postmortem histology supported these findings, as a significantly increased collateral diameter was found 7 and 14 days after ligation and peak macrophage infiltration and TUNEL positivity was found on day 3 after ligation. Here, we indicate that LDPI strongly underestimates perfusion recovery in a hind limb model for profound ischemia.

Can the contralateral limb be used as a control during the growing period in a rodent model?

PubMed

Mustafy, Tanvir; Londono, Irène; Villemure, Isabelle

2018-05-12

The contralateral limb is often used as a control in various clinical, forensic and anthropological studies. However, no studies have been performed to determine if the contra-lateral limb is a suitable control during the bone development period. The aim of this study was to determine the bilateral symmetry of growing rat tibiae in terms of geometric shape, mechanical strength and bone morphological parameters with developmental stages. Left and right tibias of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age were scanned with micro-CT for bone-morphometric evaluation and for 3D deviation analysis to quantify the geometric shape variations between left and right tibiae. Overall tibial lengths and curvatures were also measured, and bone mechanical strength was investigated using three-point bending tests. Deviation distributions between bilateral tibiae remained below 0.5 mm for more than 80% of the geometry for all groups. Tibial lengths, longitudinal tibial curvatures, bone-morphometric parameters and mechanical strengths changed significantly during the growing period but kept a strong degree of symmetry between bilateral tibiae. These results suggest that bilateral tibiae can be considered symmetrical in nature and that contralateral limb can be used as a control during the growing period in different experimental scenarios. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Factors affecting bone mineral mass loss after lower-limb fractures in a pediatric population.

PubMed

Ceroni, Dimitri; Martin, Xavier; Kherad, Omar; Salvo, Davide; Dubois-Ferrière, Victor

2015-06-01

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the durations of cast immobilization and non-weight-bearing periods, and decreases in vigorous physical activity (VPA) on bone mineral parameters in a pediatric population treated for a lower-limb fracture. Fifty children and teenagers who had undergone a cast-mediated immobilization for a leg or ankle fracture were prospectively recruited. The durations of cast immobilization and non-weight-bearing periods were recorded for each participant. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scans were performed at the time of fracture treatment (baseline) and at cast removal. Physical activity during cast immobilization was assessed using accelerometers. A strong negative correlation was found between the total duration of cast immobilization and decreases in both calcaneal bone mineral density (BMD) (r=-0.497) and total lower-limb bone mineral content (BMC) (r=-0.405). A strong negative correlation was also noted between the durations of the non-weight-bearing periods and alterations in calcaneal BMD (r=-0.420). No apparent correlations were found between lower BMD and BMC and decreased VPA. Bone mineral loss was correlated to the total duration of cast immobilization for all measurement sites on the affected leg, whereas it was only correlated to the durations of non-weight-bearing periods for calcaneal BMD and total lower-limb BMC. However, no correlations were noted between bone mineral loss and decreased VPA.

Technology that Touches Lives: Teleconsultation to Benefit Persons with Upper Limb Loss

PubMed Central

Whelan, Lynsay R.; Wagner, Nathan

2011-01-01

While over 1.5 million individuals are living with limb loss in the United States (Ziegler-Graham et al., 2008), only 10% of these individuals have a loss that affects an upper limb. Coincident with the relatively low incidence of upper limb loss, is a shortage of the community-based prosthetic rehabilitation experts that can help prosthetic users to more fully integrate their devices into their daily routines. This article describes how expert prosthetists and occupational therapists at Touch Bionics, a manufacturer of advanced upper limb prosthetic devices, employ Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) videoconferencing software telehealth technologies to engage in remote consultation with users of prosthetic devices and/or their local practitioners. The Touch Bionics staff provide follow-up expertise to local prosthetists, occupational therapists, and other health professionals. Contrasted with prior telephone-based consultations, the video-enabled approach provides enhanced capabilities to benefit persons with upper limb loss. Currently, the opportunities for Touch Bionics occupational therapists to fully engage in patient-based services delivered through telehealth technologies are significantly reduced by their need to obtain and maintain professional licenses in multiple states. PMID:25945186

Finite element modeling of a 3D coupled foot-boot model.

PubMed

Qiu, Tian-Xia; Teo, Ee-Chon; Yan, Ya-Bo; Lei, Wei

2011-12-01

Increasingly, musculoskeletal models of the human body are used as powerful tools to study biological structures. The lower limb, and in particular the foot, is of interest because it is the primary physical interaction between the body and the environment during locomotion. The goal of this paper is to adopt the finite element (FE) modeling and analysis approaches to create a state-of-the-art 3D coupled foot-boot model for future studies on biomechanical investigation of stress injury mechanism, foot wear design and parachute landing fall simulation. In the modeling process, the foot-ankle model with lower leg was developed based on Computed Tomography (CT) images using ScanIP, Surfacer and ANSYS. Then, the boot was represented by assembling the FE models of upper, insole, midsole and outsole built based on the FE model of the foot-ankle, and finally the coupled foot-boot model was generated by putting together the models of the lower limb and boot. In this study, the FE model of foot and ankle was validated during balance standing. There was a good agreement in the overall patterns of predicted and measured plantar pressure distribution published in literature. The coupled foot-boot model will be fully validated in the subsequent works under both static and dynamic loading conditions for further studies on injuries investigation in military and sports, foot wear design and characteristics of parachute landing impact in military. Copyright © 2011 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The use of tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove indices based on joint size in lower limb evaluation.

PubMed

Ferlic, Peter Wilhelm; Runer, Armin; Dirisamer, Florian; Balcarek, Peter; Giesinger, Johannes; Biedermann, Rainer; Liebensteiner, Michael Christian

2018-05-01

The correlation between tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG) and joint size, taking into account several different parameters of knee joint size as well as lower limb dimensions, is evaluated in order to assess whether TT-TG indices should be used in instead of absolute TT-TG values. This study comprised a retrospective analysis of knee CT scans, including 36 cases with patellofemoral instability (PFI) and 30 controls. Besides TT-TG, five measures of knee joint size were evaluated in axial CT slices: medio-lateral femur width, antero-posterior lateral condylar height, medio-lateral width of the tibia, width of the patella and the proximal-distal joint size (TT-TE). Furthermore, the length of the femur, the tibia and the total leg length were measured in the CT scanogram. Correlation analysis of TT-TG and the other parameters was done by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient. In the PFI group lateral condylar height (r = 0.370), tibia width (r = 0.406) and patella width (r = 0.366) showed significant moderate correlations (p < 0.03) with TT-TG. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between TT-TG and tibia length (r = 0.371) and total leg length (r = 381). The control group showed no significant correlation between TT-TG and knee joint size or between TT-TG and measures of lower limb length. Tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance correlates with several parameters of knee joint size and leg length in patients with patellofemoral instability. Application of indices determining TT-TG as a ratio of joint size could be helpful in establishing the indication for medial transfer of the tibial tuberosity in patients with PFI. Level III.

Follicular dysplasia in five Weimaraners.

PubMed

Laffort-Dassot, Catherine; Beco, Luc; Carlotti, Didier Noel

2002-10-01

This study evaluated the clinical and histopathological features and results of light and electron scanning microscopy assessments of follicular dysplasia in five Weimar Pointers. The data were compared with those obtained in three normal Weimaraners. In our study, this dermatosis affected young adults that showed progressive alopecia of the trunk (head and limbs were spared) associated with recurrent folliculitis/furunculosis. Exclusion of other dermatoses and the presence of histopathological lesions and hair shafts abnormalities seen in light and/or scanning electron microscopy similar to colour dilution alopecia led to the diagnosis of follicular dysplasia. The lesions we observed are the same as those described previously in colour dilution alopecia, but they were less pronounced in all our samples.

Acute hind limb paralysis secondary to an extradural spinal cord Cryptococcus gattii lesion in a dog

PubMed Central

Kurach, Lindsey; Wojnarowicz, Chris; Wilkinson, Tom; Sereda, Colin

2013-01-01

A 2-year-old, spayed female, German short-haired pointer was presented with a 1-day history of non-ambulatory paraplegia with absent deep pain perception. A computed tomography scan revealed an irregular eighth thoracic vertebral body and an extradural compressive lesion. Decompression was performed and abnormal tissues were submitted for analysis. Findings were consistent with a Cryptococcus gattii infection. PMID:24155428

Mice embryology: a microscopic overview.

PubMed

Salvadori, Maria Letícia Baptista; Lessa, Thais Borges; Russo, Fabiele Baldino; Fernandes, Renata Avancini; Kfoury, José Roberto; Braga, Patricia Cristina Baleeiro Beltrão; Miglino, Maria Angélica

2012-10-01

In this work, we studied the embryology of mice of 12, 14, and 18 days of gestation by gross observation, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Grossly, the embryos of 12 days were observed in C-shaped region of the brain, eye pigmentation of the retina, first, second, and third pharyngeal arches gill pit nasal region on the fourth ventricle brain, cervical curvature, heart, liver, limb bud thoracic, spinal cord, tail, umbilical cord, and place of the mesonephric ridge. Microscopically, the liver, cardiovascular system and spinal cord were observed. In the embryo of 14 days, we observed structures that make up the liver and heart. At 18 days of gestation fetuses, it was noted the presence of eyes, mouth, and nose in the cephalic region, chest and pelvic region with the presence of well-developed limbs, umbilical cord, and placenta. Scanning electron microscopy in 18 days of gestation fetuses evidenced head, eyes closed eyelids, nose, vibrissae, forelimb, heart, lung, kidney, liver, small bowel, diaphragm, and part of the spine. The results obtained in this work describe the internal and external morphology of mice, provided by an integration of techniques and review of the morphological knowledge of the embryonic development of this species, as this animal is of great importance to scientific studies. Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy subtypes: First-reported cohort from northeastern China

PubMed Central

Mahmood, Omar Abdulmonem; Jiang, Xinmei; Zhang, Qi

2013-01-01

The relative frequencies of different subtypes of limb-girdle muscular dystrophies vary widely among different populations. We estimated the percentage of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy subtypes in Chinese people based on 68 patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy from the Myology Clinic, Neurology Department, First Hospital of Jilin University, China. A diagnosis of calpainopathy was made in 12 cases (17%), and dysferlin deficiency in 10 cases (15%). Two biopsies revealed α-sarcoglycan deficiency (3%), and two others revealed a lack of caveolin-3 (3%). A diagnosis of unclassified limb-girdle muscular dystrophy was made in the remaining patients (62%). The appearances of calpain 3- and dysferlin-deficient biopsies were similar, though rimmed vacuoles were unique to dysferlinopathy, while inflammatory infiltrates were present in both these limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2D biopsies. Macrophages were detected in seven dysferlinopathy biopsies. The results of this study suggest that the distribution of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy subtypes in the Han Chinese population is similar to that reported in the West. The less necrotic, regenerating and inflammatory appearance of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2A, but with more lobulated fibers, supports the idea that calpainopathy is a less active, but more chronic disease than dysferlinopathy. Unusual features indicated an extended limb-girdle muscular dystrophy disease spectrum. The use of acid phosphatase stain should be considered in suspected dysferlinopathies. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to define the relative proportions of the various forms of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy in China, based on protein testing. PMID:25206500

Primary bone marrow oedema syndromes.

PubMed

Patel, Sanjeev

2014-05-01

MRI scanning in patients with rheumatological conditions often shows bone marrow oedema, which can be secondary to inflammatory, degenerative, infective or malignant conditions but can also be primary. The latter condition is of uncertain aetiology and it is also uncertain whether it represents a stage in the progression to osteonecrosis in some patients. Patients with primary bone marrow oedema usually have lower limb pain, commonly the hip, knee, ankle or feet. The diagnosis is one of exclusion with the presence of typical MRI findings. Treatment is usually conservative and includes analgesics and staying off the affected limb. The natural history is that of gradual resolution of symptoms over a number of months. Evidence for medical treatment is limited, but open-label studies suggest bisphosphonates may help in the resolution of pain and improve radiological findings. Surgical decompression is usually used as a last resort.

Results from the July 1981 Workshop on Passive Remote Sensing of the Troposphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Keafer, L. S., Jr.; Reichle, H. G., Jr.

1982-01-01

Potential roles of passive remote sensors in the study of the chemistry and related dynamics of the lower atmosphere were defined by a Tropospheric Passive Remote Sensing Workshop, and technology advances required to implement these roles were identified. A promising role is in making global-scale, multilayer measurements of the more abundant trace tropospheric gaseous species (e.g., O3, CO, CH4, HNO3) and of aerosol thickness and size distribution. It includes both nadirand limb-viewing measurements. Technology advances focus on both scanning- and fixed-spectra, nadir-viewing techniques with resolutions of 0.1 kaysers or better. Balloon- and Shuttle-borne experiments should be performed to study the effects of instrument noise and background fluctuations on data inversion and to determine the utility of simultaneously obtained nadir- and limb-viewing data.

Capsaicin 8% patch treatment for amputation stump and phantom limb pain: a clinical and functional MRI study

PubMed Central

Privitera, Rosario; Birch, Rolfe; Sinisi, Marco; Mihaylov, Iordan R; Leech, Robert; Anand, Praveen

2017-01-01

Purpose The aim of this study was to measure the efficacy of a single 60 min application of capsaicin 8% patch in reducing chronic amputation stump and phantom limb pain, associated hypersensitivity with quantitative sensory testing, and changes in brain cortical maps using functional MRI (fMRI) scans. Methods A capsaicin 8% patch (Qutenza) treatment study was conducted on 14 patients with single limb amputation, who reported pain intensity on the Numerical Pain Rating Scale ≥4/10 for chronic stump or phantom limb pain. Pain assessments, quantitative sensory testing, and fMRI (for the lip pursing task) were performed at baseline and 4 weeks after application of capsaicin 8% patch to the amputation stump. The shift into the hand representation area of the cerebral cortex with the lip pursing task has been correlated with phantom limb pain intensity in previous studies, and was the fMRI clinical model for cortical plasticity used in this study. Results The mean reduction in spontaneous amputation stump pain, phantom limb pain, and evoked stump pain were −1.007 (p=0.028), −1.414 (p=0.018), and −2.029 (p=0.007), respectively. The areas of brush allodynia and pinprick hypersensitivity in the amputation stump showed marked decreases: −165 cm2, −80% (p=0.001) and −132 cm2, −72% (p=0.001), respectively. fMRI analyses provided objective evidence of the restoration of the brain map, that is, reversal of the shift into the hand representation of the cerebral cortex with the lip pursing task (p<0.05). Conclusion The results show that capsaicin 8% patch treatment leads to significant reduction in chronic pain and, particularly, in the area of stump hypersensitivity, which may enable patients to wear prostheses, thereby improving mobility and rehabilitation. Phantom limb pain (“central” pain) and associated brain plasticity may be modulated by peripheral inputs, as they can be ameliorated by the peripherally restricted effect of the capsaicin 8% patch. PMID:28761369

A Symptomatic Case of Thoracic Vertebral Hemangioma Causing Lower Limb Spastic Paresis

PubMed Central

Alfawareh, Mohammad; Alotaibi, Tariq; Labeeb, Abdallah; Audat, Ziad

2016-01-01

Patient: Male, 18 Final Diagnosis: Hemangioma Symptoms: Pain • weaknes of lower limbs Medication: — Clinical Procedure: Decompression and fixation Specialty: Neurosurgery Objective: Unusual clinical course Background: Despite being the most common tumor of the spine, vertebral hemangioma is rarely symptomatic in adults. In fact, only 0.9–1.2% of all vertebral hemangiomas may be symptomatic. When hemangiomas occur in the thoracic vertebrae, they are more likely to be symptomatic due to the narrow vertebral canal dimensions that mandate more aggressive management prior to the onset of severe neurological sequelae. Case Report: An 18-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a one-month history of mild to moderate midthoracic back pain, radiating to both lower limbs. It was associated with both lower limb weakness and decreased sensation. There was no history of bowel or bladder incontinence. Neurological examination revealed lower limb weakness with power 3/5, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, bilateral sustained clonus, impaired sensation below the umbilicus, spasticity, and a positive Babinski sign. A CT scan showed a diffuse body lesion at the 8th thoracic vertebra with coarse trabeculations, corduroy appearance, or jail-bar sign. The patient underwent decompression and fixation. Biopsy of permanent samples showed proliferation of blood vessels with dilated spaces and no malignant cells, consistent with hemangioma. Postoperatively, spasticity improved, and the patient regained normal power. Conclusions: Symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas are rare but should be considered as a differential diagnosis. They can present with severe neurological symptoms. When managed appropriately, patients regain full motor and sensory function. Decompression resulted in quick relief of symptoms, which was followed by an extensive rehabilitation program. PMID:27795545

A method for retrieving vertical ozone profiles from limb scattered measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zijun; Chen, Shengbo; Yang, Chunyan; Jin, Lihua

2011-10-01

A two-step method is employed in this study to retrieve vertical ozone profiles using scattered measurements from the limb of the atmosphere. The combination of the Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) and the Multiplicative Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (MART) is proposed. First, the limb radiance, measured over a range of tangent heights, is processed using the DOAS technique to recover the effective column densities of atmospheric ozone. Second, these effective column densities along the lines of sight (LOSs) are inverted using the MART coupled with a forward model SCIATRAN (radiative transfer model for SCIAMACHY) to derive the ozone profiles. This method is applied to Optical Spectrograph and Infra Red Imager System (OSIRIS) radiance, using the wavelength windows 571-617 nm. Vertical ozone profiles between 10 and 48 km are derived with a vertical resolution of 1 km. The results illustrate a good agreement with the cloud-free coincident SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) ozone measurements, with deviations less than ±10% (±5% for altitudes from 17 to 47 km). Furthermore, sensitivities of retrieved ozone to aerosol, cloud parameters and NO2 concentration are also investigated.

Investigating pulmonary embolism in the emergency department with lower limb plethysmography: the Manchester Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (MIOPED) study

PubMed Central

Hogg, K; Dawson, D; Mackway‐Jones, K

2006-01-01

Objectives To measure the diagnostic accuracy of computerised strain gauge plethysmography in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). Methods Two researchers prospectively recruited 425 patients with pleuritic chest pain presenting to the emergency department (ED). Lower limb computerised strain gauge plethysmography was performed in the ED. All patients underwent an independent reference standard diagnostic algorithm to establish the presence or absence of PE. A low modified Wells' clinical probability combined with a normal D‐dimer excluded PE. All others required diagnostic imaging with PIOPED interpreted ventilation perfusion scanning and/or computerised tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography. Patients with a nondiagnostic CT had digital subtraction pulmonary angiography. All patients were followed up clinically for 3 months. Results The sensitivity of computerised strain gauge plethysmography was 33.3% (95% confidence interval (CI) 16.3 to 56.2%) and specificity 64.1% (95% CI 59.0 to 68.8%). The negative likelihood ratio was 1.04 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.33) and positive likelihood ratio 0.93 (95% CI 0.45 to 1.60). Conclusions Lower limb computerised strain gauge plethysmography does not aid in the diagnosis of PE. PMID:16439734

Noctilucent cloud studies with Envisat/SCIAMACHY: Observations of the 5-day wave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

von Savigny, C.; Bovensmann, H.; Burrows, J. P.; Schwartz, M. J.; Wu, D. L.

SCIAMACHY Scanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CartograpHY measures scattered solar radiation in limb viewing geometry from the troposphere up to the mesopause covering the spectral range from 220 nm to 2380 nm It is therefore well suited to study the geographical distribution of NLCs their temporal evolution and also allows the retrieval of NLC particle sizes This presentation will give an overview of the NLC results obtained so far from SCIAMACHY limb scatter measurements A special focus will be on the first identification of the westward propagating wavenumber-1 5-day wave in collocated satellite measurements of NLC characteristics - NLC occurence rate brightness and radii - and mesopause temperature The temperature measurements were made with the Microwave Limb Sounder MLS on Aura The 5-day wave was recently identified in SNOE NLC brightness measurements Merkel et al 2003 The 5-day wave signature has a severe impact on the geographical distribution of NLCs as well as their particle radii Long-term changes in global middle atmospheric wind patterns affecting the vertical propagation of planetary wave signatures may be an important driver for long-term variations in NLC occurrence rates and NLC brightness

Long-Term Global Morphology of Gravity Wave Activity Using UARS Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckermann, Stephen D.; Jackman, Charles H. (Technical Monitor)

2000-01-01

This report provides a broad outline of the total body of research conducted during the past three years. We report on detailed model studies of the precise way in which infrared limb scanning satellites explicitly detect gravity waves, and use these insights to resolve earlier discrepant zonal mean estimates of gravity wave variances from satellite limb scanners. Detailed analysis of CRISTA temperature fluctuations are outlined, which provide new global information on long-wavelength stratospheric gravity waves generated by mountains, tropical convection and the mid-latitude jet stream- vortex system, as well as interactions higher in the mesosphere with the diurnal tide. The detailed insights gained from analyzing CRISTA data are applied to provide a multi- year analysis of stratospheric mountain waves over the Andes evident in MLS limb-track data. We also demonstrate for the first time that stratospheric temperature data from the CLAES instrument on UARS resolved gravity waves, and we highlight mountain wave information in a subset of these data. Final conclusions and recommendations are set forth, and the present findings are directly related to the original goals of the research contract. A full list of publications that resulted from this research is provided.

Long-Term Global Morphology of Gravity Wave Activity Using UARS Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eckermann, Stephen D.

2000-01-01

This report provides a broad outline of the total body of research conducted during the past three years. We report on detailed model studies of the precise way in which infrared limb scanning satellites explicitly detect gravity waves, and use these insights to resolve earlier discrepant zonal mean estimates of gravity wave variances from satellite limb scanners. Detailed analysis of CRISTA temperature fluctuations are outlined, which provide new global information on long-wavelength stratospheric gravity waves generated by mountains, tropical convection and the mid-latitude jet stream-vortex system, as well as interactions higher in the mesosphere with the diurnal tide. The detailed insights gained from analyzing CRISTA data are applied to provide a multiyear analysis of stratospheric mountain waves over the Andes evident in MLS limb-track data. We also demonstrate for the first time that stratospheric temperature data from the CLAES instrument on UARS resolved gravity waves, and we highlight mountain wave information in a subset of these data. Final conclusions and recommendations are set forth, and the present findings are directly related to the original goals of the research contract. A full list of publications that resulted from this research is provided.

New Developments in the SCIAMACHY L2 Ground Processor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gretschany, Sergei; Lichtenberg, Günter; Meringer, Markus; Theys, Nicolas; Lerot, Christophe; Liebing, Patricia; Noel, Stefan; Dehn, Angelika; Fehr, Thorsten

2016-04-01

SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric ChartographY) aboard ESA's environmental satellite ENVISAT observed the Earth's atmosphere in limb, nadir, and solar/lunar occultation geometries covering the UV-Visible to NIR spectral range. It is a joint project of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium and was launched in February 2002. SCIAMACHY doubled its originally planned in-orbit lifetime of five years before the communication to ENVISAT was severed in April 2012, and the mission entered its post-operational phase. In order to preserve the best quality of the outstanding data recorded by SCIAMACHY, data processors are still being updated. This presentation will highlight three new developments that are currently being incorporated into the forthcoming Version 7 of ESA's operational Level 2 processor: 1. Tropospheric BrO, a new retrieval based on the scientific algorithm of (Theys et al., 2011). This algorithm had been originally developed for the GOME-2 sensor and later adapted for SCIAMACHY. The main principle of the new algorithm is to utilize BrO total columns (already an operational product) and split them into stratospheric VCDstrat and tropospheric VCDtrop fractions. BrO VCDstrat is determined from a climatological approach, driven by SCIAMACHY O3 and NO2 observations. VCDtrop is then determined simply as a difference: VCDtrop = VCDtotal - VCDstrat. 2. Improved cloud flagging using limb measurements (Liebing, 2015). Limb cloud flags are already part of the SCIAMACHY L2 product. They are currently calculated employing the scientific algorithm developed by (Eichmann et al., 2015). Clouds are categorized into four types: water, ice, polar stratospheric and noctilucent clouds. High atmospheric aerosol loadings, however, often lead to spurious cloud flags, when aerosols had been misidentified as clouds. The new algorithm will better discriminate between aerosol and clouds. It will also have a higher sensitivity w.r.t. thin clouds. 3. A new, future-proof file format for the level 2 product based on NetCDF. Although the final concept for the new format is still under discussion within the SCIAMACHY Quality Working Group, main features of the new format have already been clarified. The data format should be aligned and harmonized with other missions (esp. Sentinels and GOME-1). Splitting of the L2 products into profile and column products is also considered. Additionally, reading routines for the new formats will be developed and provided. References: K.-U. Eichmann et al., Global cloud top height retrieval using SCIAMACHY limb spectra: model studies and first results, Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., 8, 8295-8352, 2015. P. Liebing, New Limb Cloud Detection Algorithm Theoretical Basis Document, 2015. N. Theys et al., Global observations of tropospheric BrO columns using GOME-2 satellite data, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 11, 1791-1811, 2011.

Exploring the feasibility and use of acceleromters before, during, and after a camp-based CIMT program for children with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Coker-Bolt, Patty; Downey, Ryan J; Connolly, Jacqueline; Hoover, Reagin; Shelton, Daniel; Seo, Na Jin

2017-01-01

The aim of this pilot study was to determine the feasibility and use accelerometers before, during, and after a camp-based constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) program for children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. A pre-test post-test design was used for 12 children with CP (mean = 4.9 yrs) who completed a 30-hour camp-based CIMT program. The accelerometer data were collected using ActiGraph GT9X Link. Children wore accelerometers on both wrists one day before and after the camp and on the affected limb during each camp day. Three developmental assessments were administered pre-post CIMT program. Accelerometers were successfully worn before, during, and directly after the CIMT program to collect upper limb data. Affected upper limb accelerometer activity significantly increased during the CIMT camp compared to baseline (p< 0.05). Significant improvements were seen in all twelve children on all assessments of affected upper limb function (p< 0.05) measuring capacity and quality of affected upper limb functioning. Accelerometers can be worn during high intensity pediatric CIMT programs to collect data about affected upper limb function. Further study is required to determine the relationship between accelerometer data, measure of motor capacity, and real-world performance post-CIMT.

Limbs beyond the Skin: Exploring the Physical Realities of Digital Composition

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doerr-Stevens, Candance

2011-01-01

This article discusses how prolonged participation and digital composition online intersect to forge material extensions of the physical body, or limbs beyond the skin. Based on postmodern theories of technology and the body, I argue that these limbs, while less tangible, merit serious consideration given their potential to engender physical…

Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma.

PubMed

Wall, Christopher J; Lynch, Joan; Harris, Ian A; Richardson, Martin D; Brand, Caroline; Lowe, Adrian J; Sugrue, Michael

2010-03-01

Acute compartment syndrome is a serious and not uncommon complication of limb trauma. The condition is a surgical emergency, and is associated with significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. There is variation in management of acute limb compartment syndrome in Australia. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma were developed in accordance with Australian National Health and Medical Research Council recommendations. The guidelines were based on critically appraised literature evidence and the consensus opinion of a multidisciplinary team involved in trauma management who met in a nominal panel process. Recommendations were developed for key decision nodes in the patient care pathway, including methods of diagnosis in alert and unconscious patients, appropriate assessment of compartment pressure, timing and technique of fasciotomy, fasciotomy wound management, and prevention of compartment syndrome in patients with limb injuries. The recommendations were largely consensus based in the absence of well-designed clinical trial evidence. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute limb compartment syndrome following trauma have been developed that will support consistency in management and optimize patient health outcomes.

Reliability of lower limb alignment measures using an established landmark-based method with a customized computer software program

PubMed Central

Sled, Elizabeth A.; Sheehy, Lisa M.; Felson, David T.; Costigan, Patrick A.; Lam, Miu; Cooke, T. Derek V.

2010-01-01

The objective of the study was to evaluate the reliability of frontal plane lower limb alignment measures using a landmark-based method by (1) comparing inter- and intra-reader reliability between measurements of alignment obtained manually with those using a computer program, and (2) determining inter- and intra-reader reliability of computer-assisted alignment measures from full-limb radiographs. An established method for measuring alignment was used, involving selection of 10 femoral and tibial bone landmarks. 1) To compare manual and computer methods, we used digital images and matching paper copies of five alignment patterns simulating healthy and malaligned limbs drawn using AutoCAD. Seven readers were trained in each system. Paper copies were measured manually and repeat measurements were performed daily for 3 days, followed by a similar routine with the digital images using the computer. 2) To examine the reliability of computer-assisted measures from full-limb radiographs, 100 images (200 limbs) were selected as a random sample from 1,500 full-limb digital radiographs which were part of the Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) Study. Three trained readers used the software program to measure alignment twice from the batch of 100 images, with two or more weeks between batch handling. Manual and computer measures of alignment showed excellent agreement (intraclass correlations [ICCs] 0.977 – 0.999 for computer analysis; 0.820 – 0.995 for manual measures). The computer program applied to full-limb radiographs produced alignment measurements with high inter- and intra-reader reliability (ICCs 0.839 – 0.998). In conclusion, alignment measures using a bone landmark-based approach and a computer program were highly reliable between multiple readers. PMID:19882339

Assessing the impact of upper limb disability following stroke: a qualitative enquiry using internet-based personal accounts of stroke survivors.

PubMed

Poltawski, Leon; Allison, Rhoda; Briscoe, Simon; Freeman, Jennifer; Kilbride, Cherry; Neal, Debbie; Turton, Ailie J; Dean, Sarah

2016-01-01

Upper limb disability following stroke may have multiple effects on the individual. Existing assessment instruments tend to focus on impairment and function and may miss other changes that are personally important. This study aimed to identify personally significant impacts of upper limb disability following stroke. Accounts by stroke survivors, in the form of web-based diaries (blogs) and stories, were sought using a blog search engine and in stroke-related web-sites. Thematic analysis using the World Health Organisation's International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health (ICF) was used to identify personal impacts of upper limb disability following stroke. Ninety-nine sources from at least four countries were analysed. Many impacts were classifiable using the ICF, but a number of additional themes emerged, including emotional, cognitive and behavioural changes. Blogs and other web-based accounts were easily accessible and rich sources of data, although using them raised several methodological issues, including potential sample bias. A range of impacts was identified, some of which (such as use of information technology and alienation from the upper limb) are not addressed in current assessment instruments. They should be considered in post-stroke assessments. Blogs may help in the development of more comprehensive assessments. A comprehensive assessment of the upper limb following stroke should include the impact of upper limb problems on social participation, as well as associated emotional, cognitive and behavioural changes. Using personalised assessment instruments alongside standardised measures may help ensure that these broader domains are considered in discussions between clinicians and patients. Rehabilitation researchers should investigate whether and how these domains could be addressed and operationalised in standard upper limb assessment instruments.

Gait and Lower Limb Observation of Paediatrics (GALLOP): development of a consensus based paediatric podiatry and physiotherapy standardised recording proforma.

PubMed

Cranage, Simone; Banwell, Helen; Williams, Cylie M

2016-01-01

Paediatric gait and lower limb assessments are frequently undertaken in podiatry and physiotherapy clinical practice and this is a growing area of expertise within Australia. No concise paediatric standardised recording proforma exists to assist clinicians in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to develop a gait and lower limb standardised recording proforma guided by the literature and consensus, for assessment of the paediatric foot and lower limb in children aged 0-18 years. Expert Australian podiatrists and physiotherapists were invited to participate in a three round Delphi survey panel using the online Qualtrics(©) survey platform. The first round of the survey consisted of open-ended questions on paediatric gait and lower limb assessment developed from existing templates and a literature search of standardised lower limb assessment methods. Rounds two and three consisted of statements developed from the first round responses. Questions and statements were included in the final proforma if 70 % or more of the participants indicated consensus or agreement with the assessment method and if there was support within the literature for paediatric age-specific normative data with acceptable reliability of outcome measures. There were 17 of the 21 (81 %) participants who completed three rounds of the survey. Consensus was achieved for 41 statements in Round one, 54 statements achieved agreement in two subsequent rounds. Participants agreed on 95 statements relating to birth history, developmental history, hip measurement, rotation of the lower limb, ankle range of motion, foot posture, balance and gait. Assessments with acceptable validity and reliability were included within the final Gait and Lower Limb Observation of Paediatrics (GALLOP) proforma. The GALLOP proforma is a consensus based, systematic and standardised way to collect information and outcome measures in paediatric lower limb assessment. This standardised recording proforma will assist professions to collect information in a standardised format based on best evidence assessment methods whilst aiding consistency in communication between health professionals.

Upper Limb Posture Estimation in Robotic and Virtual Reality-Based Rehabilitation

PubMed Central

Cortés, Camilo; Ardanza, Aitor; Molina-Rueda, F.; Cuesta-Gómez, A.; Ruiz, Oscar E.

2014-01-01

New motor rehabilitation therapies include virtual reality (VR) and robotic technologies. In limb rehabilitation, limb posture is required to (1) provide a limb realistic representation in VR games and (2) assess the patient improvement. When exoskeleton devices are used in the therapy, the measurements of their joint angles cannot be directly used to represent the posture of the patient limb, since the human and exoskeleton kinematic models differ. In response to this shortcoming, we propose a method to estimate the posture of the human limb attached to the exoskeleton. We use the exoskeleton joint angles measurements and the constraints of the exoskeleton on the limb to estimate the human limb joints angles. This paper presents (a) the mathematical formulation and solution to the problem, (b) the implementation of the proposed solution on a commercial exoskeleton system for the upper limb rehabilitation, (c) its integration into a rehabilitation VR game platform, and (d) the quantitative assessment of the method during elbow and wrist analytic training. Results show that this method properly estimates the limb posture to (i) animate avatars that represent the patient in VR games and (ii) obtain kinematic data for the patient assessment during elbow and wrist analytic rehabilitation. PMID:25110698

Effects of varying inter-limb spacing to limb length ratio in metachronal swimming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lai, Hong Kuan; Merkel, Rachael; Santhanakrishnan, Arvind

2016-11-01

Crustaceans such as shrimp, krill and crayfish swim by rhythmic paddling of four to five pairs of closely spaced limbs. Each pair is phase-shifted in time relative to the neighboring pair, resulting in a metachronal wave that travels in the direction of animal motion. The broad goal of this study is to investigate how the mechanical design of the swimming limbs affect scalability of metachronal swimming in terms of limb-based Reynolds number (Re). A scaled robotic model of metachronal paddling was developed, consisting of four pairs of hinged acrylic plates actuated using stepper motors that were immersed in a rectangular tank containing water-glycerin fluid medium. 2D PIV measurements show that the propulsive jets transition from being primarily horizontal (thrust-producing direction) at Re of order 10 to angled vertically at Re of order 100. The ratio of inter-limb spacing to limb length among metachronal swimming organisms ranges between 0.2 to 0.65. 2D PIV will be used to examine the jets generated between adjacent limbs for varying inter-limb spacing to limb length ratios. The effect of increasing this ratio to beyond the biologically observed range will be discussed.

Establishing Multiscale Models for Simulating Whole Limb Estimates of Electric Fields for Osseointegrated Implants

PubMed Central

Isaacson, Brad M.; Stinstra, Jeroen G.; Bloebaum, Roy D.; Pasquina, COL Paul F.; MacLeod, Rob S.

2011-01-01

Although the survival rates of warfighters in recent conflicts are among the highest in military history, those who have sustained proximal limb amputations, may pose additional rehabilitation concerns. In some of these cases, traditional prosthetic limbs may not provide adequate function for returning to an active lifestyle. Osseointegration has emerged as a potential prosthetic alternative for those with limited residual limb length. Using this technology, direct skeletal attachment occurs between a transcutaneous osseointegrated implant (TOI) and the host bone, thereby eliminating the need for a socket. While reports from the first 100 patients with a TOI have been promising, some rehabilitation regimens require 12–18 months of restricted weight bearing to prevent overloading at the bone implant-interface. Electrically induced osseointegration has been proposed as an option for expediting periprosthetic fixation and preliminary studies have demonstrated the feasibility of adapting the TOI into a functional cathode. To assure safe and effective electrical fields that are conducive for osseoinduction and osseointegration, we have developed multiscale modeling approaches to simulate the expected electric metrics at the bone-implant interface. We have used computed tomography scans and volume segmentation tools to create anatomically accurate models that clearly distinguish tissue parameters and serve as the basis for finite element analysis. This translational computational biological process has supported biomedical electrode design, implant placement, and experiments to date have demonstrated the clinical feasibility of electrically induced osseointegration. PMID:21712151

Changes on venous diameter and leg perimeter with different clinical treatments for moderate chronic venous disease: evaluation using Duplex scanning and perimeter measurements.

PubMed

Porto, C L Lascasas; Milhomens, A L M; Pires, C E; Xavier, S Salles; Sicuro, F; Bottino, D A; Bouskela, E

2009-06-01

To evaluate changes on venous diameter and perimeter of lower limbs in chronic venous disorder (CVD) patients after different clinical treatments for four weeks. Fifty-two female patients classified as C2,s or C2,3,s (CEAP classification) were allocated consecutively in three groups: Cirkan (40 mg of the root extract of Ruscus aculeatus + 100 mg of flavonoid hesperidine methylchalcone + 200 mg of vitamin C per pill); elastic compression stockings (ECS) and no treatment (NT). Diameters were determined by duplex ultrasound and perimeter with Leg-O-Meter. After treatment, Cirkan significantly decreased popliteal vein and great saphenous vein (GSV) diameters bilaterally and ECS decreased popliteal vein diameter bilaterally and GSV and varices only on the left limb. Perimeters changed only with ECS. Clinical scores changed between Cirkan x NT and ECS x Cirkan. Disability score varied for ECS x NT and Cirkan x NT. chi2 test detected different distribution frequency for C3 and C2 classes according to treatment: ECS (both limbs) and Cirkan (only left limb). Varices and anatomical scores did not change. ECS emerges as the most effective clinical treatment tested but improvements with Cirkan on vein diameter and CEAP class were also observed. Clinical scores improved due to pain relief and edema reduction (ECS). These findings point to a positive effect of Cirkan, suggesting that venotonic drugs should be taken into account in the treatment of CVD.

Time Course of Peri-Implant Bone Regeneration around Loaded and Unloaded Implants in a Rat Model

PubMed Central

Jariwala, Shailly H.; Wee, Hwabok; Roush, Evan P.; Whitcomb, Tiffany L.; Murter, Christopher; Kozlansky, Gery; Lakhtakia, Akhlesh; Kunselman, Allen R.; Donahue, Henry J.; Armstrong, April D.; Lewis, Gregory S.

2018-01-01

The time-course of cancellous bone regeneration surrounding mechanically loaded implants affects implant fixation, and is relevant to determining optimal rehabilitation protocols following orthopaedic surgeries. We investigated the influence of controlled mechanical loading of titanium-coated polyether-ether ketone (PEEK) implants on osseointegration using time-lapsed, non-invasive, in vivo micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans. Implants were inserted into proximal tibial metaphyses of both limbs of eight female Sprague-Dawley rats. External cyclic loading (60 μm or 100 μm displacement, 1 Hz, 60 seconds) was applied every other day for 14 days to one implant in each rat, while implants in contralateral limbs served as the unloaded controls. Hind limbs were imaged with high-resolution micro-CT (12.5 μm voxel size) at 2, 5, 9, and 12 days post-surgery. Trabecular changes over time were detected by 3D image registration allowing for measurements of bone-formation rate (BFR) and bone-resorption rate (BRR). At day 9, mean %BV/TV for loaded and unloaded limbs were 35.5 ± 10.0 % and 37.2 ± 10.0 %, respectively, and demonstrated significant increases in bone volume compared to day 2. BRR increased significantly after day 9. No significant differences between bone volumes, BFR, and BRR were detected due to implant loading. Although not reaching significance (p = 0.16), an average 119 % increase in pull-out strength was measured in the loaded implants. PMID:27381807

A Symptomatic Case of Thoracic Vertebral Hemangioma Causing Lower Limb Spastic Paresis.

PubMed

Alfawareh, Mohammad; Alotaibi, Tariq; Labeeb, Abdallah; Audat, Ziad

2016-10-31

BACKGROUND Despite being the most common tumor of the spine, vertebral hemangioma is rarely symptomatic in adults. In fact, only 0.9-1.2% of all vertebral hemangiomas may be symptomatic. When hemangiomas occur in the thoracic vertebrae, they are more likely to be symptomatic due to the narrow vertebral canal dimensions that mandate more aggressive management prior to the onset of severe neurological sequelae. CASE REPORT An 18-year-old male presented to the emergency room with a one-month history of mild to moderate mid-thoracic back pain, radiating to both lower limbs. It was associated with both lower limb weakness and decreased sensation. There was no history of bowel or bladder incontinence. Neurological examination revealed lower limb weakness with power 3/5, exaggerated deep tendon reflexes, bilateral sustained clonus, impaired sensation below the umbilicus, spasticity, and a positive Babinski sign. A CT scan showed a diffuse body lesion at the 8th thoracic vertebra with coarse trabeculations, corduroy appearance, or jail-bar sign. The patient underwent decompression and fixation. Biopsy of permanent samples showed proliferation of blood vessels with dilated spaces and no malignant cells, consistent with hemangioma. Postoperatively, spasticity improved, and the patient regained normal power. CONCLUSIONS Symptomatic vertebral hemangiomas are rare but should be considered as a differential diagnosis. They can present with severe neurological symptoms. When managed appropriately, patients regain full motor and sensory function. Decompression resulted in quick relief of symptoms, which was followed by an extensive rehabilitation program.

Clinical correlates of between-limb synchronization of standing balance control and falls during inpatient stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Mansfield, Avril; Mochizuki, George; Inness, Elizabeth L; McIlroy, William E

2012-01-01

Stroke-related sensorimotor impairment potentially contributes to impaired balance. Balance measures that reveal underlying limb-specific control problems, such as a measure of the synchronization of both lower limbs to maintain standing balance, may be uniquely informative about poststroke balance control. This study aimed to determine the relationships between clinical measures of sensorimotor control, functional balance, and fall risk and between-limb synchronization of balance control. The authors conducted a retrospective chart review of 100 individuals with stroke admitted to inpatient rehabilitation. Force plate-based measures were obtained while standing on 2 force plates, including postural sway (root mean square of anteroposterior and mediolateral center of pressure [COP]), stance load asymmetry (percentage of body weight borne on the less-loaded limb), and between-limb synchronization (cross-correlation of the COP recordings under each foot). Clinical measures obtained were motor impairment (Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment), plantar cutaneous sensation, functional balance (Berg Balance Scale), and falls experienced in rehabilitation. Synchronization was significantly related to motor impairment and prospective falls, even when controlling for other force plate-based measures of standing balance control (ie, postural sway and stance load symmetry). Between-limb COP synchronization for standing balance appears to be a uniquely important index of balance control, independent of postural sway and load symmetry during stance.

Does a balance deficit persist in Australian Football players with previous lower limb ligament injury?

PubMed

Hrysomallis, C; McLaughlin, P; Goodman, C

2005-03-01

A history of lower limb ligament injury is a commonly-cited risk factor for another similar injury. During the acute phase of injury, there is a balancing skill deficit in the injured limb. It has been unclear as to whether this deficit persists in the medium-to-long term for previously injured Australian footballers, contributing to the risk of re-injury. This study compared the balance ability of footballers with and without previous lower limb ligament injury and, for previously injured players, the balance ability of the previously injured limb to the opposite uninjured limb. A total of 216 players from 6 teams from the Australian Football League were tested. The balance task comprised stepping on to a foam mat on top of a force plate and maintaining one-legged balance. The subjects were divided into 4 groups based on their injury history: all ankle injuries to only one limb, recent ankle injuries to only one limb (within the last 12 months), knee ligament injury only to one limb, and no previous ankle or knee ligament injury. Statistical analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the balance scores of any of the previously injured players and those with no previous lower limb ligament injury. There was no significant difference between the balance score of the previously injured limb with the opposite uninjured limb. It appears that a balance deficit does not persist in Australian Football players with previous lower limb ligament injury.

[Disappearance of essential neck tremor after pontine base infarction].

PubMed

Urushitani, M; Inoue, H; Kawamura, K; Kageyama, T; Fujisawa, M; Nishinaka, K; Udaka, F; Kameyama, M

1996-08-01

Mechanism of essential tremor remains unknown. Central oscillators, postulated in thalamus, inferior olive, and spinal cord are thought to be important to form rhythmicity, and finally to stimulate spinal or medullary motor cells, leading trembling muscle contraction, tremor. Among several subtypes of essential familial tremor, including hand tremor, neck tremor, and voice tremor, essential neck tremor is a common disorder, and its pathophysiology seems different from that of typical essential hand tremor, since patients with essential hand tremor are responsive to beta blocker, whereas those with neck tremor are usually not. We experienced a 41-year-old left handed woman with essential neck tremor in whom neck titubation disappeared shortly after pontine base infarct. She was our patient in the outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of essential neck tremor. The tremor developed when she was teenage, and has been localized in the neck muscles. Alcohol intake had apparently diminished it transiently. Her mother also had the tremor in her neck. She was admitted to our hospital with sudden onset of right-sided limb weakness and speech disturbance. Neurological examination showed right hemiparesis including the ipsilateral face, scanning speech, and cerebellar limb ataxia on the same side. In addition, there was no tremor in her neck. Brain MR imaging revealed a pontine base infarct at the level of middle pons, which was consistent with paramedian artery territory. The hemiparesis and speech disturbance improved almost completely after treatment, and her neck tremor has never occurred in one year follow-up. In our patient, efficacy of alcohol imply that essential neck tremor and hand tremor had same central nervous pathway including central oscillator in common, and descending cortical fibers is seemingly associated with diminishing patient's tremor. Pathophysiology of essential neck tremor was discussed with reviewing previous literature.

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome Associated with Graves’ Disease Presenting As Inferior Vena Cava Thrombosis with Bilateral Lower Limb DVT

PubMed Central

Jain, Ankur

2014-01-01

We report a case of a 60-year-old lady who presented with bilateral lower limb swelling and a thyroid swelling with clinical features consistent with thyrotoxicosis. Investigations revealed the presence of a thrombus in bilateral external, internal iliac veins, and inferior vena cava extending up to its infrahepatic part. Hormone profile and radioiodine uptake scan confirmed the diagnosis of Graves’ disease. Further workup revealed the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (confirmed after a repeat test at 12 weeks). The patient was treated with antithyroid drugs and anticoagulants. The patient improved with normalization of thyroid function and partial recanalization of the infrahepatic part of inferior vena cava. Hyperthyroidism has been implicated as a potential hypercoagulable state; however, the association of Graves’ disease with antiphospholipid antibody syndrome is limited to isolated case reports. This case highlights a new mechanism underlying hypercoagulability associated with Graves’ disease. PMID:24812529

3D splint prototype system for applications in muscular rehab by transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saldaña-Martínez, M. I.; Guzmán-González, J. V.; Barajas-González, O. G.; Guzman-Ramos, V.; García-Garza, A. K.; González-García, R. B.; García-Ramírez, M. A.

2017-03-01

It is quite common that patients with ligamentous ruptures, tendonitis, tenosynovitis or sprains are foreseen the use of ad hoc splints for a swift recovery. In this paper, we propose a rehabilitation split that is focused on upper-limb injuries. By considering that upper-limb patient shows a set of different characteristics, our proposal personalizes and prints the splint custom made though a digital model that is generated by a 3D commercial scanner. To fabricate the 3D scanned model the Stereolithography material (SLA) is considered due to the properties that this material offers. In order to complement the recovery process, an electronic system is implemented within the splint design. This system generates a set of pulses for a fix period of time that focuses mainly on a certain group of muscles to allow a fast recovery process known as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Principle (TENS).

Regional changes in muscle mass following 17 weeks of bed rest

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leblanc, Adrian D.; Schneider, Victor S.; Evans, Harlan J.; Pientok, Colette; Rowe, Roger; Spector, Elisabeth

1992-01-01

This work reports on the muscle loss and recovery after 17 wk of continuous bed rest and 8 wk of reambulation in eight normal male volunteers. Muscle changes were assessed by urinary levels of 3-methylhistidine (3-MeH), nitrogen balance, dual-photon absorptiometry (DPA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and isokinetic muscle performance. The total body lean tissue loss during bed rest calculated from nitrogen balance was 3.9 +/- 2.1 kg. Although the total loss is minimal, DPA scans showed that nearly all of the lean tissue loss occurred in the lower limbs. Similarly, MRI muscle volume measurements showed greater percent loss in the limbs relative to the back muscles. MRI, DPA, and nitrogen balance suggest that muscle atrophy continued throughout bed rest with rapid recovery after reambulaton. Isokinetic muscle strength decreased significantly in the thigh and calf with no loss in the arms and with rapid recovery during reambulation.

Stress-Shielding Effect of Nitinol Swan-Like Memory Compressive Connector on Fracture Healing of Upper Limb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Q. G.; Liu, X. W.; Xu, S. G.; Li, M.; Zhang, C. C.

2009-08-01

In this article, the stress-shielding effect of a Nitinol swan-like memory compressive connector (SMC) is evaluated. Patients with fracture healing of an upper limb after SMC internal fixation or stainless steel plate fixation were randomly selected and observed comparatively. With the informed consent of the SMC group, minimal cortical bone under the swan-body and swan-neck was harvested; and in the steel plate fixation group, minimal cortical bone under the steel plate and opposite side to the steel plate was also harvested for observation. Main outcome measurements were taken such as osteocyte morphology, Harversian canal histological observation under light microscope; radiographic observation of fracture healing, and computed tomography quantitative scanning of cortical bone. As a conclusion, SMC has a lesser stress-shielding effect to fixed bone than steel plate. Finally, the mechanism of the lesser stress-shielding effect of SMC is discussed.

A technique for magnetic resonance imaging of equine cadaver specimens.

PubMed

Widmer, W R; Buckwalter, K A; Hill, M A; Fessler, J F; Ivancevich, S

1999-01-01

We tested an adaptation of a technique for performing magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of human cadaver limbs in the horse. The forelimbs from a normal horse were collected, frozen, and sealed with a paraffin-polymer combination prior to imaging with either a high- or midfield magnetic resonance scanner. Each forelimb was defrosted, scanned, and refrozen on two separate occasions. A five-point scale was used to evaluate the quality of each set of sagittal and transverse, T1-weighted images of each digit. There was no difference in image quality between first and second scans of either specimen (p > 0.05). We conclude that this technique allows investigators to bank tissue specimens for future magnetic resonance imaging without significant loss of image quality.

The Effect of Sliding Humeral Osteotomy (SHO) on Frontal Plane Thoracic Limb Alignment: An Ex Vivo Canine Cadaveric Study.

PubMed

Breiteneicher, Adam H; Norby, Bo; Schulz, Kurt S; Kerwin, Sharon C; Hulse, Don A; Fox, Derek B; Saunders, W Brian

2016-11-01

To determine the effect of sliding humeral osteotomy (SHO) on frontal plane thoracic limb alignment in standing and recumbent limb positions. Canine cadaveric study. Canine thoracic limbs (n=15 limb pairs). Limbs acquired from healthy Labrador Retrievers euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study were mounted in a limb press and aligned in a standing position followed by axial loading at 30% body weight. Frontal plane radiography was performed in standing and recumbent positions pre- and post-SHO. In the standing position, lateralization of the foot was measured pre- and post-SHO using a textured grid secured to the limb press base plate. Twelve thoracic limb alignment values (mean ± SD and 95% CI) were determined using the center of rotation of angulation (CORA) method were compared using linear mixed models to determine if significant differences existed between limb alignment values pre- or post-SHO, controlling for dog, limb, and limb position. Six of 12 standing or recumbent alignment values were significantly different pre- and post-SHO. SHO resulted in decreased mechanical lateral distal humeral angle and movement of the mechanical humeral radio-ulnar angle, radio-ulnar metacarpal angle, thoracic humeral angle, and elbow mechanical axis deviation toward coaxial limb alignment. In the standing position, the foot underwent significant lateralization post-SHO. SHO resulted in significant alteration in frontal plane thoracic limb alignment. Additional studies are necessary to determine if the changes reported using our ex vivo model occur following SHO in vivo. © Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Importance of human right inferior frontoparietal network connected by inferior branch of superior longitudinal fasciculus tract in corporeal awareness of kinesthetic illusory movement.

PubMed

Amemiya, Kaoru; Naito, Eiichi

2016-05-01

It is generally believed that the human right cerebral hemisphere plays a dominant role in corporeal awareness, which is highly associated with conscious experience of the physical self. Prompted by our previous findings, we examined whether the right frontoparietal activations often observed when people experience kinesthetic illusory limb movement are supported by a large-scale brain network connected by a specific branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus fiber tracts (SLF I, II, and III). We scanned brain activity with functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while nineteen blindfolded healthy volunteers experienced illusory movement of the right stationary hand elicited by tendon vibration, which was replicated after the scanning. We also scanned brain activity when they executed and imagined right hand movement, and identified the active brain regions during illusion, execution, and imagery in relation to the SLF fiber tracts. We found that illusion predominantly activated the right inferior frontoparietal regions connected by SLF III, which were not substantially recruited during execution and imagery. Among these regions, activities in the right inferior parietal cortices and inferior frontal cortices showed right-side dominance and correlated well with the amount of illusion (kinesthetic illusory awareness) experienced by the participants. The results illustrated the predominant involvement of the right inferior frontoparietal network connected by SLF III when people recognize postural changes of their limb. We assume that the network bears a series of functions, specifically, monitoring the current status of the musculoskeletal system, and building-up and updating our postural model (body schema), which could be a basis for the conscious experience of the physical self. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Early gray-matter and white-matter concentration in infancy predict later language skills: a whole brain voxel-based morphometry study.

PubMed

Deniz Can, Dilara; Richards, Todd; Kuhl, Patricia K

2013-01-01

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans were obtained from 19 infants at 7 months. Expressive and receptive language performance was assessed at 12 months. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) identified brain regions where gray-matter and white-matter concentrations at 7 months correlated significantly with children's language scores at 12 months. Early gray-matter concentration in the right cerebellum, early white-matter concentration in the right cerebellum, and early white-matter concentration in the left posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC)/cerebral peduncle were positively and strongly associated with infants' receptive language ability at 12 months. Early gray-matter concentration in the right hippocampus was positively and strongly correlated with infants' expressive language ability at 12 months. Our results suggest that the cerebellum, PLIC/cerebral peduncle, and the hippocampus may be associated with early language development. Potential links between these structural predictors and infants' linguistic functions are discussed. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

ATHLETE: A Limbed Vehicle for Solar System Exploration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Brian H.

2012-01-01

As part of the Human-Robot Systems project funded by NASA, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has developed a vehicle called ATHLETE: the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer. Each vehicle is based on six wheels at the ends of six multi-degree-of-freedom limbs. Because each limb has enough degrees of freedom for use as a general-purpose leg, the wheels can be locked and used as feet to walk out of excessively soft or other extreme terrain. Since the vehicle has this alternative mode of traversing through or at least out of extreme terrain, the wheels and wheel actuators can be sized for nominal terrain. There are substantial mass savings in the wheel and wheel actuators associated with designing for nominal instead of extreme terrain. These mass savings are comparable-to or larger-than the extra mass associated with the articulated limbs. As a result, the entire mobility system, including wheels and limbs, can be about 25% lighter than a conventional mobility chassis. A side benefit of this approach is that each limb has sufficient degrees-of-freedom to use as a general-purpose manipulator (hence the name "limb" instead of "leg"). Our prototype ATHLETE vehicles have quick-disconnect tool adapters on the limbs that allow tools to be drawn out of a "tool belt" and maneuvered by the limb.

Immunomodulation to Optimize Vascularized Composite Allograft Integration in Limb Loss Therapy

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

AD_________________ Award Number: W81XWH-12-2-0058 TITLE: Immunomodulation to Optimize Vascularized...ADDRESS. 1. REPORT DATE October 2014 2. REPORT TYPE Annual 3. DATES COVERED 30 Sep 2013 - 29 Sep 2014 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE Immunomodulation to...efficacious immunomodulation regimen based on belatacept to optimize the integration of limb transplantation after limb loss. Regulatory Review

Development of Sub-Ischial Prosthetic Sockets with Vacuum-Assisted Suspension for Highly Active Persons with Transfemoral Amputations

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-10-01

International Conference on Robotics and Automation, Pasadena CA, USA, May 19-23, 2008, p 3672-3677. APPENDICES A Socket Breakdown for Scanning...the LimbLogic is the more efficient of the two pumps. These tests also showed that the performance for both pumps was self -consistent over the...Donelan, J. M. Biomechanical Energy Harvesting: Apparatus and Method. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, May 19-23, 2008. Lyon

Positioning Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation within the Spectrum of Transplantation

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-10-01

In the third year of this grant, we made significant progress using our rat osteomyocutaneous flap model to study the effect of rejection on...submitted in the first quarter of year 4. We have also made significant progress in using the Vevo 2100 in imaging vasculopathy in the rat model, as...transplant biopsy timepoints, with multiple slides per timepoint to scan, as well as selected slides of the rat hind-limb project that are designated for

The effect of a supervised community-based exercise program on balance, balance confidence, and gait in individuals with lower limb amputation.

PubMed

Miller, Carol A; Williams, Jennifer E; Durham, Katey L; Hom, Selena C; Smith, Julie L

2017-10-01

Many individuals with lower limb loss report concern with walking ability after completing structured traditional rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of a supervised community-based exercise program on balance, balance confidence, and gait in individuals with lower limb amputation. Repeated measures. The supervised exercise program was offered biweekly for 6 weeks. The GAITRite System by CIR Systems, Inc., the Figure-of-8 Walk Test, and Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale were used to measure clinical outcomes pre- and post-intervention. In total, 16 participants with lower limb amputation (mean age: 50.8 years) completed the study. A multivariate, repeated measures analysis of variance indicated a statistically significant effect of training across six clinical outcome measures ( F(6, 10) = 4.514, p = .018). Moderate effect sizes were found for the Figure-of-8 Walk Test ( η 2 = .586), Activity-specific Balance Confidence Scale ( η 2 = .504), and gait velocity at comfortable walking speed ( η 2 = .574). The average increase in gait speed was clinically meaningful at .14 m/s. The supervised community-based exercise program implemented in this study was designed to address specific functional needs for individuals with lower limb loss. Each participant experienced clinically meaningful improvements in balance, balance confidence, and walking ability. Clinical relevance The provision of a supervised community-based exercise program, after traditional rehabilitation, provides opportunity to offer a continuum of care that may enhance prosthetic functional ability and active participation in the community for individuals with lower limb amputation.

Society for Vascular Surgery limb stage and patient risk correlate with outcomes in an amputation prevention program.

PubMed

Causey, Marlin W; Ahmed, Ayman; Wu, Bian; Gasper, Warren J; Reyzelman, Alex; Vartanian, Shant M; Hiramoto, Jade S; Conte, Michael S

2016-06-01

Clinical decision making and accurate outcomes comparisons in advanced limb ischemia require improved staging systems. The Society for Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Threatened Limb Classification System (Wound extent, Ischemia, and foot Infection [WIfI]) was designed to stratify limb outcomes based on three major factors-wound extent, ischemia, and foot infection. The Project or Ex-Vivo vein graft Engineering via Transfection III (PREVENT) III (PIII) risk score was developed to stratify patients by expected amputation-free survival (AFS) after surgical revascularization. This study was designed to prospectively assess limb and patient-based staging for predicting outcomes of hospitalized patients in an amputation prevention program. This study undertook a retrospective analysis of prospectively gathered registry data of consecutive patients with limb-threatening conditions admitted to a fully integrated vascular/podiatry service over a 16-month period. Upon admission, limb risk was stratified using the WIfI system and patient risk was categorized using PIII classification. Patients were assessed for perioperative and postdischarge outcomes, and their relationship to staging at admission was analyzed. There were 174 threatened limbs (143 hospitalized patients) stratified by WIfI stage (1%-12%, 2%-28%, 3%-24%, 4%-28%, 5%-3%, unstaged-5%) and PIII risk (34% low, 49% moderate, and 17% high risk). Diabetes and end-stage renal disease were associated with WIfI stage (P = .006 and P = .018) and PIII risk (P = .003 and P < .001). Perioperative (30-day) events included 3% mortality, 8% major adverse cardiovascular events and 2.4% major amputation. There were 119 limbs (71%) that underwent revascularization, including 108 infrainguinal reconstructions (endovascular or open revascularization). Rate of revascularization increased with WIfI stage (P < .001), concomitant with the number of podiatric procedures, minor amputations, and initial hospital duration of stay (all P < .001). Increased WIfI stage was associated with major adverse limb events (P = .018), reduced limb salvage (P = .037), and decreased AFS (P = .048). In contrast, PIII risk category was associated with mortality (P < .001) and AFS (P < .001). Among infrainguinal reconstruction procedures, there was a similar distribution of endovascular (46%) and surgical (54%) interventions. Freedom from major adverse limb events was best for autogenous vein bypass (P = .025), and surgical revascularization was associated with improved limb salvage among the most severely threatened limbs (WIfI stage 4: 95% limb salvage for open bypass vs 68% limb salvage for endovascular; P = .026). Among patients hospitalized with limb-threatening conditions and treated by a multidisciplinary amputation prevention team, PIII risk correlates with mortality whereas WIfI stage strongly predicts initial hospital duration of stay, and key mid-term limb outcomes. Surgical revascularization performed best in the limbs at greatest risk (WIfI stage 4), and autogenous vein bypass was the preferred conduit for open bypass. These data support the use of WIfI and PIII as complementary staging tools in the management of chronic limb-threatening ischemia. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Electromyography-based analysis of human upper limbs during 45-day head-down bed-rest

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Anshuang; Wang, Chunhui; Qi, Hongzhi; Li, Fan; Wang, Zheng; He, Feng; Zhou, Peng; Chen, Shanguang; Ming, Dong

2016-03-01

Muscle deconditioning occurs in response to simulated or actual microgravity. In spaceflight, astronauts become monkey-like for mainly using their upper limbs to control the operating system and to complete corresponding tasks. The changes of upper limbs' athletic ability will directly affect astronauts' working performance. This study investigated the variation trend of surface electromyography (sEMG) during prolonged simulated microgravity. Eight healthy males participating in this study performed strict 45-day head-down bed-rest (HDBR). On the 5th day of pre-HDBR, and the 15th, the 30th and the 45th days of HDBR, the subjects performed maximum pushing task and maximum pulling task, and sEMG was collected from upper limbs synchronously. Each subject's maximum volunteer contractions of both the tasks during these days were compared, showing no significant change. However, changes were detected by sEMG-based analysis. It was found that integrated EMG, root mean square, mean frequency, fuzzy entropy of deltoid, and fuzzy entropy of triceps brachii changed significantly when comparing pre-HDBR with HDBR. The variation trend showed a recovery tendency after significant decline, which is inconsistent with the monotonic variation of lower limbs that was proved by previous research. These findings suggest that EMG changes in upper limbs during prolonged simulated microgravity, but has different variation trend from lower limbs.

Retrieval of O2(1Σ) and O2(1Δ) volume emission rates in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere using SCIAMACHY MLT limb scans

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zarboo, Amirmahdi; Bender, Stefan; Burrows, John P.; Orphal, Johannes; Sinnhuber, Miriam

2018-01-01

We present the retrieved volume emission rates (VERs) from the airglow of both the daytime and twilight O2(1Σ) band and O2(1Δ) band emissions in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). The SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) onboard the European Space Agency Envisat satellite observes upwelling radiances in limb-viewing geometry during its special MLT mode over the range 50-150 km. In this study we use the limb observations in the visible (595-811 nm) and near-infrared (1200-1360 nm) bands. We have investigated the daily mean latitudinal distributions and the time series of the retrieved VER in the altitude range from 53 to 149 km. The maximal observed VERs of O2(1Δ) during daytime are typically 1 to 2 orders of magnitude larger than those of O2(1Σ). The latter peaks at around 90 km, whereas the O2(1Δ) emissivity decreases with altitude, with the largest values at the lower edge of the observations (about 53 km). The VER values in the upper mesosphere (above 80 km) are found to depend on the position of the sun, with pronounced high values occurring during summer for O2(1Δ). O2(1Σ) emissions show additional high values at polar latitudes during winter and spring. These additional high values are presumably related to the downwelling of atomic oxygen after large sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs). Accurate measurements of the O2(1Σ) and O2(1Δ) airglow, provided that the mechanism of their production is understood, yield valuable information about both the chemistry and dynamics in the MLT. For example, they can be used to infer the amounts and distribution of ozone, solar heating rates, and temperature in the MLT.

Effect of coordinate frame compatibility on the transfer of implicit and explicit learning across limbs

PubMed Central

Carroll, Timothy J.

2016-01-01

Insights into the neural representation of motor learning can be obtained by investigating how learning transfers to novel task conditions. We recently demonstrated that visuomotor rotation learning transferred strongly between left and right limbs when the task was performed in a sagittal workspace, which afforded a consistent remapping for the two limbs in both extrinsic and joint-based coordinates. In contrast, transfer was absent when performed in horizontal workspace, where the extrinsically defined perturbation required conflicting joint-based remapping for the left and right limbs. Because visuomotor learning is thought to be supported by both implicit and explicit forms of learning, however, it is unclear to what extent these distinct forms of learning contribute to interlimb transfer. In this study, we assessed the degree to which interlimb transfer, following visuomotor rotation training, reflects explicit vs. implicit learning by obtaining verbal reports of participants' aiming direction before each movement. We also determined the extent to which these distinct components of learning are constrained by the compatibility of coordinate systems by comparing transfer between groups of participants who reached to targets arranged in the horizontal and sagittal planes. Both sagittal and horizontal conditions displayed complete transfer of explicit learning to the untrained limb. In contrast, transfer of implicit learning was incomplete, but the sagittal condition showed greater transfer than the horizontal condition. These findings suggest that explicit strategies developed with one limb can be fully implemented in the opposite limb, whereas implicit transfer depends on the degree to which new sensorimotor maps are spatially compatible for the two limbs. PMID:27334955

Effect of coordinate frame compatibility on the transfer of implicit and explicit learning across limbs.

PubMed

Poh, Eugene; Carroll, Timothy J; Taylor, Jordan A

2016-09-01

Insights into the neural representation of motor learning can be obtained by investigating how learning transfers to novel task conditions. We recently demonstrated that visuomotor rotation learning transferred strongly between left and right limbs when the task was performed in a sagittal workspace, which afforded a consistent remapping for the two limbs in both extrinsic and joint-based coordinates. In contrast, transfer was absent when performed in horizontal workspace, where the extrinsically defined perturbation required conflicting joint-based remapping for the left and right limbs. Because visuomotor learning is thought to be supported by both implicit and explicit forms of learning, however, it is unclear to what extent these distinct forms of learning contribute to interlimb transfer. In this study, we assessed the degree to which interlimb transfer, following visuomotor rotation training, reflects explicit vs. implicit learning by obtaining verbal reports of participants' aiming direction before each movement. We also determined the extent to which these distinct components of learning are constrained by the compatibility of coordinate systems by comparing transfer between groups of participants who reached to targets arranged in the horizontal and sagittal planes. Both sagittal and horizontal conditions displayed complete transfer of explicit learning to the untrained limb. In contrast, transfer of implicit learning was incomplete, but the sagittal condition showed greater transfer than the horizontal condition. These findings suggest that explicit strategies developed with one limb can be fully implemented in the opposite limb, whereas implicit transfer depends on the degree to which new sensorimotor maps are spatially compatible for the two limbs. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Calculating regional tissue volume for hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion: Four methods compared.

PubMed

Cecchin, D; Negri, A; Frigo, A C; Bui, F; Zucchetta, P; Bodanza, V; Gregianin, M; Campana, L G; Rossi, C R; Rastrelli, M

2016-12-01

Hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (HILP) can be performed as an alternative to amputation for soft tissue sarcomas and melanomas of the extremities. Melphalan and tumor necrosis factor-alpha are used at a dosage that depends on the volume of the limb. Regional tissue volume is traditionally measured for the purposes of HILP using water displacement volumetry (WDV). Although this technique is considered the gold standard, it is time-consuming and complicated to implement, especially in obese and elderly patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the different methods described in the literature for calculating regional tissue volume in the HILP setting, and to validate an open source software. We reviewed the charts of 22 patients (11 males and 11 females) who had non-disseminated melanoma with in-transit metastases or sarcoma of the lower limb. We calculated the volume of the limb using four different methods: WDV, tape measurements and segmentation of computed tomography images using Osirix and Oncentra Masterplan softwares. The overall comparison provided a concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) of 0.92 for the calculations of whole limb volume. In particular, when Osirix was compared with Oncentra (validated for volume measures and used in radiotherapy), the concordance was near-perfect for the calculation of the whole limb volume (CCC = 0.99). With methods based on CT the user can choose a reliable plane for segmentation purposes. CT-based methods also provides the opportunity to separate the whole limb volume into defined tissue volumes (cortical bone, fat and water). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Image Processing for Planetary Limb/Terminator Extraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Udomkesmalee, S.; Zhu, D. Q.; Chu, C. -C.

1995-01-01

A novel image segmentation technique for extracting limb and terminator of planetary bodies is proposed. Conventional edge- based histogramming approaches are used to trace object boundaries. The limb and terminator bifurcation is achieved by locating the harmonized segment in the two equations representing the 2-D parameterized boundary curve. Real planetary images from Voyager 1 and 2 served as representative test cases to verify the proposed methodology.

Upper and lower limbs composition: a comparison between anthropometry and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in healthy people.

PubMed

Diano, Danila; Ponti, Federico; Guerri, Sara; Mercatelli, Daniele; Amadori, Michele; Aparisi Gómez, Maria Pilar; Battista, Giuseppe; Guglielmi, Giuseppe; Bazzocchi, Alberto

2017-09-18

The detection of changes in lean mass (LM) distribution can help to prevent disability. This study assessed the degree of association between anthropometric measurements and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) body composition (BC) parameters of the upper and lower limbs in a healthy general population and collected DXA age- and sex-specific values of BC that can be useful to build a reference standard. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the reliability of some widely available anthropometric measurements in the assessment of body composition (BC) at the limbs, especially in terms of muscle mass, in a large sample of healthy subjects of different age bands and sex, using fat mass (FM) and lean mass (LM) parameters derived by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the gold standard. The secondary aim was to collect DXA age- and sex-specific values of BC of left and right limbs (upper and lower) in a healthy Italian population to be used as reference standards. Two hundred fifty healthy volunteers were enrolled. Arm circumference (AC) and thigh circumference (ThC) were measured, and total and regional BC parameters were obtained by a whole-body DXA scan (Lunar iDXA, Madison, WI, USA; enCORE™ 2011 software version 13.6). FM/LM showed only fair correlation with AC and ThC in females (r = 0.649 and 0.532, respectively); in males and in the total population, the correlation was low (r = 0.360 or lower, and p non-statistically significant). AC and ThC were not well representative of arms LM in both genders (females r = 0.452, males r = 0.530) independently of age. In general, men of all age groups showed higher values of LM and lean mass index (LMI) in both total and segmental upper and lower limbs. In males, the maximum LM and LMI were achieved in the fifth decade in both upper and lower limbs and then started to decrease with aging. In females, no significant modification with aging was identified in LM and LMI. According to our results, anthropometry is not well representative of LM of arms in both genders, independently of age; therefore, a densitometric examination should be considered for a correct assessment of BC at limbs.

Advanced imaging technologies for mapping cadaveric lymphatic anatomy: magnetic resonance and computed tomography lymphangiography.

PubMed

Pan, W R; Rozen, W M; Stretch, J; Thierry, B; Ashton, M W; Corlett, R J

2008-09-01

Lymphatic anatomy has become increasingly clinically important as surgical techniques evolve for investigating and treating cancer metastases. However, due to limited anatomical techniques available, research in this field has been insufficient. The techniques of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) lymphangiography have not been described previously in the imaging of cadaveric lymphatic anatomy. This preliminary work describes the feasibility of these advanced imaging technologies for imaging lymphatic anatomy. A single, fresh cadaveric lower limb underwent lymphatic dissection and cannulation utilizing microsurgical techniques. Contrast materials for both CT and MR studies were chosen based on their suitability for subsequent clinical use, and imaging was undertaken with a view to mapping lymphatic anatomy. Microdissection studies were compared with imaging findings in each case. Both MR-based and CT-based contrast media in current clinical use were found to be suitable for demonstrating cadaveric lymphatic anatomy upon direct intralymphatic injection. MR lymphangiography and CT lymphangiography are feasible modalities for cadaveric anatomical research for lymphatic anatomy. Future studies including refinements in scanning techniques may offer these technologies to the clinical setting.

Cauda Equina Syndrome Due to Vigorous Back Massage With Spinal Manipulation in a Patient With Pre-Existing Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Literature Review.

PubMed

Yang, Si-Dong; Chen, Qian; Ding, Wen-Yuan

2018-04-01

Cauda equina syndrome (CES) resulting from acute lumbar disc herniation due to spinal massage is extremely rare. We present a case of CES caused by the acute worsening of a lumbar disc herniation after a vigorous back massage that included spinal manipulation. After vigorous back massage with spinal manipulation performed by a massage therapist, a 38-yr-old male patient experienced CES with severe numbness in both lower limbs, inability to walk due to weakness of bilateral lower limbs, and incontinence of urine and feces. The magnetic resonance imaging and computer tomography scan results showed that the L4-5 disc herniated down into the spinal canal, extensively compressing the ventral dural sac. The patient was successfully treated with an emergency operation including laminectomy, spinal canal decompression, discectomy, interbody fusion, and pedicle screw fixation. The muscle power in both lower limbs of the patient recovered rapidly to support standing only 1 wk later. Moreover, he regained continence of urine and feces. In conclusion, this case brings us novel knowledge that spinal massage or manipulation may worsen pre-existing disc herniation causing CES, and a timely emergency surgery is necessary and effective for treatment of CES-related symptoms.

Preamputation evaluation of lower-limb skeletal muscle perfusion with H(2) (15)O positron emission tomography.

PubMed

Scremin, Oscar U; Figoni, Stephen F; Norman, Keith; Scremin, A M Erika; Kunkel, Charles F; Opava-Rutter, Dorene; Schmitter, Eric D; Bert, Alberto; Mandelkern, Mark

2010-06-01

To establish whether muscle blood flow (MBF) measurements with O-water positron emission tomography could reliably identify patients with critical limb ischemia and detect and quantify a distal deficit in skeletal MBF in these cases. O-water positron emission tomography scans were performed at rest or during unloaded ankle plantar and dorsiflexion exercise of the diseased leg in 17 subjects with leg ischemia or on a randomly selected leg of 18 age-matched healthy control subjects. TcPO2 was evaluated with Novametrix monitors and perfusion of skin topically heated to 44 degrees C and adjacent nonheated areas with a Moor Instruments laser Doppler imaging scanner. The enhancement of MBF induced by exercise was significantly lower in ischemic than in normal legs, and the sensitivity and specificity of this phenomenon were similar to those of laser Doppler imaging or TcPO2 in identifying ischemia subjects. In addition, the exercise MBF deficit was predominant at the distal-leg levels, indicating the ability of the technique to help determine the correct level of amputation. Skeletal MBF of legs with severe ischemia can be detected accurately with O-water positron emission tomography and could add valuable information about viability of skeletal muscle in the residual limb when deciding the level of an amputation.

Biomarkers of low-grade inflammation in primary varicose veins of the lower limbs.

PubMed

Flore, R; Ponziani, F R; Gerardino, L; Santoliquido, A; Di Giorgio, A; Lupascu, A; Nesci, A; Tondi, P

2015-02-01

To analyze serum biomarkers of CVD in selected patients with primary axial reflux of great saphenous vein in one or both lower limbs. Ninety-six patients affected by uncomplicated varicose veins, were enrolled in the study. A unilateral, primary axial reflux in great saphenous veins was detected in 54 patients (U-CVD group) and a bilateral one in 42 (B-CVD group). Sixty-five age and sex-matched subjects without venous reflux were enrolled as controls. Mean venous pressure of both lower limbs at the distal great saphenous vein (mGSVP) and venous reflux were measured by continuous-wave Doppler ultrasound and echoduplex scanning, respectively. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) and its Inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) activities, Hematocrit (HTC), White Blood Cells (WBC), Neutrophyls (NEU), Platelets (PLT), Fibrinogen (FIB) and Blood Viscosity (BV) were assessed in blood samples drawn from the antecubital vein. B-CVD group showed higher fibrinogen values (p < 0.005) and higher mean venous pressure (0 < 0.0001) in comparison to controls, while U-CVD did not. No difference was found between both groups and controls for all the other parameters. Increased fibrinogen levels in patients with bilateral varicose veins may represent an early warning signal, as it could be associated to the long-term progression of chronic venous disease.

Hybrid Orientation Based Human Limbs Motion Tracking Method

PubMed Central

Glonek, Grzegorz; Wojciechowski, Adam

2017-01-01

One of the key technologies that lays behind the human–machine interaction and human motion diagnosis is the limbs motion tracking. To make the limbs tracking efficient, it must be able to estimate a precise and unambiguous position of each tracked human joint and resulting body part pose. In recent years, body pose estimation became very popular and broadly available for home users because of easy access to cheap tracking devices. Their robustness can be improved by different tracking modes data fusion. The paper defines the novel approach—orientation based data fusion—instead of dominating in literature position based approach, for two classes of tracking devices: depth sensors (i.e., Microsoft Kinect) and inertial measurement units (IMU). The detailed analysis of their working characteristics allowed to elaborate a new method that let fuse more precisely limbs orientation data from both devices and compensates their imprecisions. The paper presents the series of performed experiments that verified the method’s accuracy. This novel approach allowed to outperform the precision of position-based joints tracking, the methods dominating in the literature, of up to 18%. PMID:29232832

Lower limb muscle volume estimation from maximum cross-sectional area and muscle length in cerebral palsy and typically developing individuals.

PubMed

Vanmechelen, Inti M; Shortland, Adam P; Noble, Jonathan J

2018-01-01

Deficits in muscle volume may be a significant contributor to physical disability in young people with cerebral palsy. However, 3D measurements of muscle volume using MRI or 3D ultrasound may be difficult to make routinely in the clinic. We wished to establish whether accurate estimates of muscle volume could be made from a combination of anatomical cross-sectional area and length measurements in samples of typically developing young people and young people with bilateral cerebral palsy. Lower limb MRI scans were obtained from the lower limbs of 21 individuals with cerebral palsy (14.7±3years, 17 male) and 23 typically developing individuals (16.8±3.3years, 16 male). The volume, length and anatomical cross-sectional area were estimated from six muscles of the left lower limb. Analysis of Covariance demonstrated that the relationship between the length*cross-sectional area and volume was not significantly different depending on the subject group. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that the product of anatomical cross-sectional area and length bore a strong and significant relationship to the measured muscle volume (R 2 values between 0.955 and 0.988) with low standard error of the estimates of 4.8 to 8.9%. This study demonstrates that muscle volume may be estimated accurately in typically developing individuals and individuals with cerebral palsy by a combination of anatomical cross-sectional area and muscle length. 2D ultrasound may be a convenient method of making these measurements routinely in the clinic. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Combined Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Virtual Reality-Based Paradigm for Upper Limb Rehabilitation in Individuals with Restricted Movements. A Feasibility Study with a Chronic Stroke Survivor with Severe Hemiparesis.

PubMed

Fuentes, María Antonia; Borrego, Adrián; Latorre, Jorge; Colomer, Carolina; Alcañiz, Mariano; Sánchez-Ledesma, María José; Noé, Enrique; Llorens, Roberto

2018-04-02

Impairments of the upper limb function are a major cause of disability and rehabilitation. Most of the available therapeutic options are based on active exercises and on motor and attentional inclusion of the affected arm in task oriented movements. However, active movements may not be possible after severe impairment of the upper limbs. Different techniques, such as mirror therapy, motor imagery, and non-invasive brain stimulation have been shown to elicit cortical activity in absence of movements, which could be used to preserve the available neural circuits and promote motor learning. We present a virtual reality-based paradigm for upper limb rehabilitation that allows for interaction of individuals with restricted movements from active responses triggered when they attempt to perform a movement. The experimental system also provides multisensory stimulation in the visual, auditory, and tactile channels, and transcranial direct current stimulation coherent to the observed movements. A feasibility study with a chronic stroke survivor with severe hemiparesis who seemed to reach a rehabilitation plateau after two years of its inclusion in a physical therapy program showed clinically meaningful improvement of the upper limb function after the experimental intervention and maintenance of gains in both the body function and activity. The experimental intervention also was reported to be usable and motivating. Although very preliminary, these results could highlight the potential of this intervention to promote functional recovery in severe impairments of the upper limb.

[Implementation of control system and software design for limbs rehabilitation training based on PCI-1240].

PubMed

Zhu, Wenchao; Xu, Xiulin; Hu, Xiufang; An, Meijun

2017-06-01

This article presents the design of a motion control system for seated lower-limb rehabilitation training. The system is composed of lower limb exoskeleton, motor drive circuit, program of motion control, and so forth. The power of lower limbs joints is provided by six motors. The PCI-1240 motion control card is used as the core. This study achieved repetitive rotation training and gait trajectory training of lower limbs joints, of which the velocity, angle and time can be accurately controlled and adjusted. The experimental results showed that the motion control system can meet the requirement of repetitive rehabilitation training for patients with lower limb dysfunction. This article provides a new method to the research of motion control system in rehabilitation training, which can promote industrial automation technique to be used for health care, and conducive to the further study of the rehabilitation robot.

Ambulatory activity classification with dendogram-based support vector machine: Application in lower-limb active exoskeleton.

PubMed

Mazumder, Oishee; Kundu, Ananda Sankar; Lenka, Prasanna Kumar; Bhaumik, Subhasis

2016-10-01

Ambulatory activity classification is an active area of research for controlling and monitoring state initiation, termination, and transition in mobility assistive devices such as lower-limb exoskeletons. State transition of lower-limb exoskeletons reported thus far are achieved mostly through the use of manual switches or state machine-based logic. In this paper, we propose a postural activity classifier using a 'dendogram-based support vector machine' (DSVM) which can be used to control a lower-limb exoskeleton. A pressure sensor-based wearable insole and two six-axis inertial measurement units (IMU) have been used for recognising two static and seven dynamic postural activities: sit, stand, and sit-to-stand, stand-to-sit, level walk, fast walk, slope walk, stair ascent and stair descent. Most of the ambulatory activities are periodic in nature and have unique patterns of response. The proposed classification algorithm involves the recognition of activity patterns on the basis of the periodic shape of trajectories. Polynomial coefficients extracted from the hip angle trajectory and the centre-of-pressure (CoP) trajectory during an activity cycle are used as features to classify dynamic activities. The novelty of this paper lies in finding suitable instrumentation, developing post-processing techniques, and selecting shape-based features for ambulatory activity classification. The proposed activity classifier is used to identify the activity states of a lower-limb exoskeleton. The DSVM classifier algorithm achieved an overall classification accuracy of 95.2%. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of activity-based mirror therapy on lower limb motor-recovery and gait in stroke: A randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Arya, Kamal Narayan; Pandian, Shanta; Kumar, Vikas

2017-09-26

To determine the effect of activity-based mirror therapy (MT) on motor recovery and gait in chronic poststroke hemiparetic subjects. A randomised, controlled, assessor-blinded trial. Rehabilitation institute. Thirty-six chronic poststroke (15.89 ± 9.01 months) hemiparetic subjects (age: 46.44 ± 7.89 years, 30 men and functional ambulation classification of median level 3). Activity-based MT comprised movements such as ball-rolling, rocker-board, and pedalling. The activities were provided on the less-affected side in front of the mirror while hiding the affected limb. The movement of the less-affected lower limb was projected as over the affected limb. Conventional motor therapy based on neurophysiological approaches was also provided to the experimental group. The control group received only conventional management. Brunnstrom recovery stages (BRS), Fugl-Meyer assessment lower extremity (FMA-LE), Rivermead visual gait assessment (RVGA), and 10-metre walk test (10-MWT). Postintervention, the experimental group exhibited significant and favourable changes for FMA-LE (mean difference = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.23-5.35, p = .003) and RVGA (mean difference = 5.41, 95% CI = 1.12-9.71, p = .015) in comparison to the control group. No considerable changes were observed on 10-MWT. Activity-based MT facilitates motor recovery of the lower limb as well as reduces gait deviations among chronic poststroke hemiparetic subjects.

Hemodynamic and clinical impact of ultrasound-derived venous reflux parameters.

PubMed

Neglén, Peter; Egger, John F; Olivier, Jake; Raju, Seshadri

2004-08-01

This study was undertaken to assess which ultrasound-derived parameter was superior for measuring venous reflux quantitatively and to evaluate the importance of popliteal vein valve reflux. A retrospective analysis was performed of 244 refluxive limbs in 182 patients who underwent ultrasound scanning, venous pressure measurement, air plethysmography, and clinical classification of severity according to the CEAP score. Reflux time (RT, s), peak reflux velocity (PRV, m/s), time of average rate of reflux (TAF, mL/min), absolute displaced volume retrogradely (ADV, mL) were compared to clinical class, ambulatory venous pressure (% drop), venous filling time (s), and venous filling index (mL/s) using nonparametric statistical tests. A P value of <.05 was considered significant. Limbs were divided into 3 groups: (A) axial great saphenous vein reflux only (n = 68); (B) axial deep reflux including popliteal vein incompetence with or without concomitant gastrocnemius or great or small saphenous vein reflux (all ultrasound reflux parameters of each refluxive vein added at the knee level) (n = 79); and (C) all limbs with popliteal vein reflux (the ultrasound data of the refluxive popliteal vein exclusively was used in comparison regardless of concomitant associated reflux) (n = 103). Limbs were also stratified into limbs with skin changes and ulcer (C-class 4-6) and those without (C-class 1-3) and subsequently compared. No meaningful significant correlation was found between RT and the clinical and hemodynamic results in groups A and B. The PRV and TAF correlated significantly with the hemodynamic parameters. The PRV and TAF and clinical severity trended towards correlation in group A (P =.0554 and P =.0998, respectively), but was significantly correlated in group B. The poor hemodynamic condition in the subset of C-class 4-6 limbs in groups A and B was reflected in a greater PRV, TAF, and ADV in this subset as compared with the limbs in C-class 1-3. RT was not significantly different in the subsets of limbs, further suggesting that RT is not related to hemodynamic or clinical state of the limbs. No meaningful correlations were found in group C. Although the hemodynamic data were significantly poorer in the subset of limbs with C-class 4-6 than in C-class 1-3, the ultrasound-derived parameters were not significantly different. The duration of valve reflux time (or valve closure time) cannot be used to quantify severity of reflux and is purely a qualitative measurement. The PRV and the rate of reflux appeared to better reflect the magnitude of venous incompetence. In the presence of axial reflux, it appeared logical and physiologically correct to sum up these reflux parameters for each venous segment crossing the knee. The popliteal valve reflux (the "gatekeeper" function) was not in itself an important determinant of venous hemodynamics and clinical severity. Additional reflux in other venous segments must be taken into account.

Brain microstructural development at near-term age in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants: An atlas-based diffusion imaging study

PubMed Central

Rose, Jessica; Vassar, Rachel; Cahill-Rowley, Katelyn; Guzman, Ximena Stecher; Stevenson, David K.; Barnea-Goraly, Naama

2014-01-01

At near-term age the brain undergoes rapid growth and development. Abnormalities identified during this period have been recognized as potential predictors of neurodevelopment in children born preterm. This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine white matter (WM) microstructure in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants to better understand regional WM developmental trajectories at near-term age. DTI scans were analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of 45 VLBW preterm infants (BW ≤ 1500 g, GA ≤ 32 weeks) within a cohort of 102 neonates admitted to the NICU and recruited to participate prior to standard-of-care MRI, from 2010 to 2011, 66/102 also had DTI. For inclusion in this analysis, 45 infants had DTI, no evidence of brain abnormality on MRI, and were scanned at PMA ≤40 weeks (34.7–38.6). White matter microstructure was analyzed in 19 subcortical regions defined by DiffeoMap neonatal brain atlas, using threshold values of trace b0.006 mm2 s−1 and FA >0.15. Regional fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated and temporal–spatial trajectories of development were examined in relation to PMA and brain region location. Posterior regions within the corona radiata (CR), corpus callosum (CC), and internal capsule (IC) demonstrated significantly higher mean FA values compared to anterior regions. Posterior regions of the CR and IC demonstrated significantly lower RD values compared to anterior regions. Centrally located projection fibers demonstrated higher mean FA and lower RD values than peripheral regions including the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), cerebral peduncle, retrolenticular part of the IC, posterior thalamic radiation, and sagittal stratum. Centrally located association fibers of the external capsule had higher FA and lower RD than the more peripherally-located superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). A significant relationship between PMA-at-scan and FA, MD, and RD was demonstrated by a majority of regions, the strongest correlations were observed in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, a region undergoing early stages of myelination at near-term age, in which FA increased (r = .433, p = .003) and MD (r = –.545, p = .000) and RD (r = –.540, p = .000) decreased with PMA-at-scan. No correlation with PMA-at-scan was observed in the CC or SLF, regions that myelinate later in infancy. Regional patterns of higher FA and lower RD were observed at this near-term age, suggestive of more advanced microstructural development in posterior compared to anterior regions within the CR, CC, and IC and in central compared to peripheral WM structures. Evidence of region-specific rates of microstructural development was observed. Temporal–spatial patterns of WM microstructure development at near-term age have important implications for interpretation of near-term DTI and for identification of aberrations in typical developmental trajectories that may signal future impairment. PMID:24091089

Brain microstructural development at near-term age in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants: an atlas-based diffusion imaging study.

PubMed

Rose, Jessica; Vassar, Rachel; Cahill-Rowley, Katelyn; Guzman, Ximena Stecher; Stevenson, David K; Barnea-Goraly, Naama

2014-02-01

At near-term age the brain undergoes rapid growth and development. Abnormalities identified during this period have been recognized as potential predictors of neurodevelopment in children born preterm. This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine white matter (WM) microstructure in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants to better understand regional WM developmental trajectories at near-term age. DTI scans were analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of 45 VLBW preterm infants (BW≤1500g, GA≤32weeks) within a cohort of 102 neonates admitted to the NICU and recruited to participate prior to standard-of-care MRI, from 2010 to 2011, 66/102 also had DTI. For inclusion in this analysis, 45 infants had DTI, no evidence of brain abnormality on MRI, and were scanned at PMA ≤40weeks (34.7-38.6). White matter microstructure was analyzed in 19 subcortical regions defined by DiffeoMap neonatal brain atlas, using threshold values of trace <0.006mm(2)s(-1) and FA >0.15. Regional fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated and temporal-spatial trajectories of development were examined in relation to PMA and brain region location. Posterior regions within the corona radiata (CR), corpus callosum (CC), and internal capsule (IC) demonstrated significantly higher mean FA values compared to anterior regions. Posterior regions of the CR and IC demonstrated significantly lower RD values compared to anterior regions. Centrally located projection fibers demonstrated higher mean FA and lower RD values than peripheral regions including the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), cerebral peduncle, retrolenticular part of the IC, posterior thalamic radiation, and sagittal stratum. Centrally located association fibers of the external capsule had higher FA and lower RD than the more peripherally-located superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). A significant relationship between PMA-at-scan and FA, MD, and RD was demonstrated by a majority of regions, the strongest correlations were observed in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, a region undergoing early stages of myelination at near-term age, in which FA increased (r=.433, p=.003) and MD (r=-.545, p=.000) and RD (r=-.540, p=.000) decreased with PMA-at-scan. No correlation with PMA-at-scan was observed in the CC or SLF, regions that myelinate later in infancy. Regional patterns of higher FA and lower RD were observed at this near-term age, suggestive of more advanced microstructural development in posterior compared to anterior regions within the CR, CC, and IC and in central compared to peripheral WM structures. Evidence of region-specific rates of microstructural development was observed. Temporal-spatial patterns of WM microstructure development at near-term age have important implications for interpretation of near-term DTI and for identification of aberrations in typical developmental trajectories that may signal future impairment. © 2013.

Normal cross-sectional anatomy of the bovine digit: comparison of computed tomography and limb anatomy.

PubMed

Raji, A R; Sardari, K; Mohammadi, H R

2008-06-01

The purpose of this study was to define the structures of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle by using computed tomography scan (CT scan). Transverse, sagittal and dorsoplantar CT images of two isolated cattle cadaver digits were obtained using a Siemens ARTX2 Somatom. The CT images were compared to corresponding frozen cross-sections. Relevant anatomical structures were identified and labelled at each level. The CT images provided anatomical detail of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle. Transversal images provided excellent depiction of anatomical structures when compared to corresponding frozen cross-sections. The information presented in this paper would serve as an initial reference to the evaluation of CT images of the digits and hoof in Holstein dairy cattle.

Acute intraparenchymal spinal cord injury in a cat due to high-rise syndrome.

PubMed

Cruz-Arámbulo, Robert; Nykamp, Stephanie

2012-03-01

A 9-year-old spayed female Bengal Red cat was evaluated for high-rise syndrome. The cat had paraplegia of the hind limbs, intact reflexes and pain perception, and hyperesthesia in the caudal thoracic area. Mentation, cranial nerve function, forelimb proprioceptive responses, and spinal reflexes were normal. There were no abnormalities on radiographs or computed tomography scan, but magnetic resonance imaging revealed a hyperintense intraparenchymal spinal cord lesion on T2-weighted and T2 fat saturation images.

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Absolute Refletivity of Jupiter and Saturn (Mendikoa+ 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendikoa, I.; Sanchez-Lavega, A.; Perez-Hoyos, S.; Hueso, R.; Rojas, J. F.; Lopez-Santiago, J.

2017-08-01

Overall mean absolute reflectivity I/F of Jupiter and Saturn. Scans at central meridian are given versus latitude from observations at Calar Alto observatory between 2012 and 2016. In addition, Minnaert coefficients (I/F)0 and k are given, determining the I/F variation with the cosines of the incidence and emission angles, where (I/F)0 represents the absolute reflectivity in absence of darkening effects at nadir viewing and k is the limb-darkening coefficient. (12 data files).

Interlimb relation during the double support phase of gait: an electromyographic, mechanical and energy-based analysis.

PubMed

Sousa, Andreia S P; Silva, Augusta; Tavares, João Manuel R S

2013-03-01

The purpose of this study is to analyse the interlimb relation and the influence of mechanical energy on metabolic energy expenditure during gait. In total, 22 subjects were monitored as to electromyographic activity, ground reaction forces and VO2 consumption (metabolic power) during gait. The results demonstrate a moderate negative correlation between the activity of tibialis anterior, biceps femoris and vastus medialis of the trailing limb during the transition between mid-stance and double support and that of the leading limb during double support for the same muscles, and between these and gastrocnemius medialis and soleus of the trailing limb during double support. Trailing limb soleus during the transition between mid-stance and double support was positively correlated to leading limb tibialis anterior, vastus medialis and biceps femoris during double support. Also, the trailing limb centre of mass mechanical work was strongly influenced by the leading limbs, although only the mechanical power related to forward progression of both limbs was correlated to metabolic power. These findings demonstrate a consistent interlimb relation in terms of electromyographic activity and centre of mass mechanical work, being the relations occurred in the plane of forward progression the more important to gait energy expenditure.

Angular dependence models for radiance to flux conversion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Green, Richard N.; Suttles, John T.; Wielicki, Bruce A.

1990-01-01

Angular dependence models (ADM) used for converting the measured radiance to flux at the top of the atmosphere are reviewed, and emphasis is placed on the measure of their effectiveness and the implications of requiring the ADMs to satisfy reciprocity. The overall significance of the ADMs is figured out by analyzing the same satellite data with a single Lambertian model, single mean model, and the 12 Earth Radiation Budget Experiment (ERBE) ADMs. It is shown that the Lambertian ADM is inadequate, while the mean ADM results in nearly unbiased fluxes but creates substantial differences for individual pixel fluxes. The standard ERBE ADM works well except for a 10-pct to 15-pct albedo growth across the scan; a modified ADM based on the standard ERBE ADM but forced to satisfy the principle of reciprocity increases the limb brightening and reduces the albedo growth but does not improve the scanner and nonscanner intercomparison.

Epidemiology of limb loss and congenital limb deficiency: a review of the literature.

PubMed

Ephraim, Patti L; Dillingham, Timothy R; Sector, Mathilde; Pezzin, Liliana E; Mackenzie, Ellen J

2003-05-01

To examine the state of research on population-based studies of the incidence of limb amputation and birth prevalence of limb deficiency. A total of 18 publication databases were searched, including MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. The search was performed by using a hierarchical process. Articles were reviewed for inclusion by 3 reviewers. Inclusion criteria included defined catchment area, calculation of population-based incidence rates, defined etiology of limb loss, and English language. Review articles, animal studies, case reports, cohort studies, letters, and editorials were excluded. Figures on the estimated incidence of amputation and birth prevalence of congenital limb deficiency were gleaned from selected reports and assembled into a table format by etiology. The studies varied in scope, quality, and methodology, making comparisons between studies difficult. Incidence rates of acquired amputation varied greatly between and within nations. Rates of all-cause acquired amputation ranged from 1.2 first major amputations per 10,000 women in Japan to 4.4 per 10,000 men in the Navajo Nation in the United States between 1992 and 1997. Consistent among all nations, the risk of amputation was greatest among persons with diabetes mellitus. Surveillance of congenital limb deficiency exists in much of the developed world. Existing studies of acquired amputation suffer from a host of methodologic problems. Future efforts should be directed toward the application of standardized measures and methods to enable trends to be evaluated over time and comparisons to be made within and between countries.

Development of an EMG-ACC-Based Upper Limb Rehabilitation Training System.

PubMed

Ling Liu; Xiang Chen; Zhiyuan Lu; Shuai Cao; De Wu; Xu Zhang

2017-03-01

This paper focuses on the development of an upper limb rehabilitation training system designed for use by children with cerebral palsy (CP). It attempts to meet the requirements of in-home training by taking advantage of the combination of portable accelerometers (ACC) and surface electromyography (SEMG) sensors worn on the upper limb to capture functional movements. In the proposed system, the EMG-ACC acquisition device works essentially as wireless game controller, and three rehabilitation games were designed for improving upper limb motor function under a clinician's guidance. The games were developed on the Android platform based on a physical engine called Box2D. The results of a system performance test demonstrated that the developed games can respond to the upper limb actions within 210 ms. Positive questionnaire feedbacks from twenty CP subjects who participated in the game test verified both the feasibility and usability of the system. Results of a long-term game training conducted with three CP subjects demonstrated that CP patients could improve in their game performance through repetitive training, and persistent training was needed to improve and enhance the rehabilitation effect. According to our experimental results, the novel multi-feedback SEMG-ACC-based user interface improved the users' initiative and performance in rehabilitation training.

Adaptive control based on an on-line parameter estimation of an upper limb exoskeleton.

PubMed

Riani, Akram; Madani, Tarek; Hadri, Abdelhafid El; Benallegue, Abdelaziz

2017-07-01

This paper presents an adaptive control strategy for an upper-limb exoskeleton based on an on-line dynamic parameter estimator. The objective is to improve the control performance of this system that plays a critical role in assisting patients for shoulder, elbow and wrist joint movements. In general, the dynamic parameters of the human limb are unknown and differ from a person to another, which degrade the performances of the exoskeleton-human control system. For this reason, the proposed control scheme contains a supplementary loop based on a new efficient on-line estimator of the dynamic parameters. Indeed, the latter is acting upon the parameter adaptation of the controller to ensure the performances of the system in the presence of parameter uncertainties and perturbations. The exoskeleton used in this work is presented and a physical model of the exoskeleton interacting with a 7 Degree of Freedom (DoF) upper limb model is generated using the SimMechanics library of MatLab/Simulink. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an example of passive rehabilitation movements is performed using multi-body dynamic simulation. The aims is to maneuver the exoskeleton that drive the upper limb to track desired trajectories in the case of the passive arm movements.

A Computational Analysis of Limb and Body Dimensions in Tyrannosaurus rex with Implications for Locomotion, Ontogeny, and Growth

PubMed Central

Hutchinson, John R.; Bates, Karl T.; Molnar, Julia; Allen, Vivian; Makovicky, Peter J.

2011-01-01

The large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex underwent remarkable changes during its growth from <10 kg hatchlings to >6000 kg adults in <20 years. These changes raise fascinating questions about the morphological transformations involved, peak growth rates, and scaling of limb muscle sizes as well as the body's centre of mass that could have influenced ontogenetic changes of locomotion in T. rex. Here we address these questions using three-dimensionally scanned computer models of four large, well-preserved fossil specimens as well as a putative juvenile individual. Furthermore we quantify the variations of estimated body mass, centre of mass and segment dimensions, to characterize inaccuracies in our reconstructions. These inaccuracies include not only subjectivity but also incomplete preservation and inconsistent articulations of museum skeletons. Although those problems cause ambiguity, we conclude that adult T. rex had body masses around 6000–8000 kg, with the largest known specimen (“Sue”) perhaps ∼9500 kg. Our results show that during T. rex ontogeny, the torso became longer and heavier whereas the limbs became proportionately shorter and lighter. Our estimates of peak growth rates are about twice as rapid as previous ones but generally support previous methods, despite biases caused by the usage of scale models and equations that underestimate body masses. We tentatively infer that the hindlimb extensor muscles masses, including the large tail muscle M. caudofemoralis longus, may have decreased in their relative size as the centre of mass shifted craniodorsally during T. rex ontogeny. Such ontogenetic changes would have worsened any relative or absolute decline of maximal locomotor performance. Regardless, T. rex probably had hip and thigh muscles relatively larger than any extant animal's. Overall, the limb “antigravity” muscles may have been as large as or even larger than those of ratite birds, which themselves have the most muscular limbs of any living animal. PMID:22022500

A computational analysis of limb and body dimensions in Tyrannosaurus rex with implications for locomotion, ontogeny, and growth.

PubMed

Hutchinson, John R; Bates, Karl T; Molnar, Julia; Allen, Vivian; Makovicky, Peter J

2011-01-01

The large theropod dinosaur Tyrannosaurus rex underwent remarkable changes during its growth from <10 kg hatchlings to >6000 kg adults in <20 years. These changes raise fascinating questions about the morphological transformations involved, peak growth rates, and scaling of limb muscle sizes as well as the body's centre of mass that could have influenced ontogenetic changes of locomotion in T. rex. Here we address these questions using three-dimensionally scanned computer models of four large, well-preserved fossil specimens as well as a putative juvenile individual. Furthermore we quantify the variations of estimated body mass, centre of mass and segment dimensions, to characterize inaccuracies in our reconstructions. These inaccuracies include not only subjectivity but also incomplete preservation and inconsistent articulations of museum skeletons. Although those problems cause ambiguity, we conclude that adult T. rex had body masses around 6000-8000 kg, with the largest known specimen ("Sue") perhaps ∼9500 kg. Our results show that during T. rex ontogeny, the torso became longer and heavier whereas the limbs became proportionately shorter and lighter. Our estimates of peak growth rates are about twice as rapid as previous ones but generally support previous methods, despite biases caused by the usage of scale models and equations that underestimate body masses. We tentatively infer that the hindlimb extensor muscles masses, including the large tail muscle M. caudofemoralis longus, may have decreased in their relative size as the centre of mass shifted craniodorsally during T. rex ontogeny. Such ontogenetic changes would have worsened any relative or absolute decline of maximal locomotor performance. Regardless, T. rex probably had hip and thigh muscles relatively larger than any extant animal's. Overall, the limb "antigravity" muscles may have been as large as or even larger than those of ratite birds, which themselves have the most muscular limbs of any living animal.

Canoe game-based virtual reality training to improve trunk postural stability, balance, and upper limb motor function in subacute stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot study.

PubMed

Lee, Myung-Mo; Shin, Doo-Chul; Song, Chang-Ho

2016-07-01

[Purpose] This study was aimed at investigating the preliminary therapeutic efficacy and usefulness of canoe game-based virtual reality training for stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Ten stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n=5) or a control group (CG; n=5). Patients in both groups participated in a conventional rehabilitation program, but those in the EG additionally participated in a 30-min canoe game-based virtual reality training program 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed based on trunk postural stability, balance, and upper limb motor function. In addition, the usefulness of canoe game-based virtual reality training was assessed in the EG and therapist group (TG; n=20), which consisted of physical and occupational therapists, by using the System Usability Scale (SUS). [Results] Improvements in trunk postural stability, balance, and upper limb motor function were observed in the EG and CG, but were greater in the EG. The mean SUS scores in the EG and TG were 71 ± 5.2 and 74.2 ± 4.8, respectively. [Conclusion] Canoe game-based virtual reality training is an acceptable and effective intervention for improving trunk postural stability, balance, and upper limb motor function in stroke patients.

In vivo locomotor strain in the hindlimb bones of alligator mississippiensis and iguana iguana: implications for the evolution of limb bone safety factor and non-sprawling limb posture

PubMed

Blob; Biewener

1999-05-01

Limb postures of terrestrial tetrapods span a continuum from sprawling to fully upright; however, most experimental investigations of locomotor mechanics have focused on mammals and ground-dwelling birds that employ parasagittal limb kinematics, leaving much of the diversity of tetrapod locomotor mechanics unexplored. This study reports measurements of in vivo locomotor strain from the limb bones of lizard (Iguana iguana) and crocodilian (Alligator mississippiensis) species, animals from previously unsampled phylogenetic lineages with non-parasagittal limb posture and kinematics. Principal strain orientations and shear strain magnitudes indicate that the limb bones of these species experience considerable torsion during locomotion. This contrasts with patterns commonly observed in mammals, but matches predictions from kinematic observations of axial rotation in lizard and crocodilian limbs. Comparisons of locomotor load magnitudes with the mechanical properties of limb bones in Alligator and Iguana indicate that limb bone safety factors in bending for these species range from 5.5 to 10.8, as much as twice as high as safety factors previously calculated for mammals and birds. Limb bone safety factors in shear (3.9-5.4) for Alligator and Iguana are also moderately higher than safety factors to yield in bending for birds and mammals. Finally, correlations between limb posture and strain magnitudes in Alligator show that at some recording locations limb bone strains can increase during upright locomotion, in contrast to expectations based on size-correlated changes in posture among mammals that limb bone strains should decrease with the use of an upright posture. These data suggest that, in some lineages, strain magnitudes may not have been maintained at constant levels through the evolution of a non-sprawling posture unless the postural change was accompanied by a shift to parasagittal kinematics or by an evolutionary decrease in body size.

Operational Level 2 Data Processing System for the JEM/SMILES

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takahashi, C.; Mitsuda, C.; Suzuki, M.; Iwata, Y.; Horikawa, M.; Matsumoto, T.; Hayashi, H.; Imai, K.; Sano, T.; Takayanagi, M.

2009-12-01

To measure the thermal emission from stratospheric minor species with high sensitivity, the Superconducting Submillimeter-wave Limb-Emission Sounder (SMILES) aboard the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM) of the International Space Station (ISS) carries 4 K cooled Superconductor-Insulator-Superconductor (SIS) mixers. The major feature of the SMILES is its high-sensitive measurement ability with low system noise temperature less than 700 K. The SMILES measures the atmospheric limb emission from stratospheric minor constituents in the submillimeter-wave range, which are band A (624.3-625.5 GHz), band B (625.1-626.3 GHz), and band C (649.1-650.3 GHz). The target species of the SMILES are O3, ClO, HCl, HNO3, HOCl, CH3CN, HO2, BrO, and O3 isotopes (18OOO, 17OOO, and O17OO). Since a complete vertical scan takes 53 s and the orbital period of the ISS is approximately 93 min, approximately 105 scans per orbit give 1630 scans per day. There are 68 individual limb rays in a single scan, and the nominal altitude coverage is from 10 to 60 km. The spatial coverage is on a near global (38S - 65N). It is expected that it will be possible to make measurements within the elongated polar vortex in the Northern Hemisphere. As a part of the ground system for the SMILES, a level 2 data processing system (DPS-L2) designed to use a highly portable software working on a general Linux operating system has been developed. It retrieves the density distributions of the target species (level 2 data) from calibrated spectra (level 1B data) in near-real-time. The level 2 data are converted into the HDF-EOS format and are distributed to users accompanied with the ancillary data on the SMILES status through a web server. To support the analysis of the level 2 data, it is implemented on the Gfdnavi (geophysical fluid data navigator), which is a suite of software that facilitates databasing, analysis, data publication, and visualization of geophysical fluid data. This paper presents the development of the DPS-L2 along with the details on its algorithm and performance. The retrieval process consists of two parts: the forward model, which computes radiative transfer, and the inverse model, which deduces atmospheric states. Since the forward model must provide the most accurate basis for results and be implemented under limited computing resources, the forward model algorithm for an operational system has to be accurate and fast. Hence, the algorithm is improved (1) by designing accurate instrument functions such as the instrumental field of view (FOV), sideband rejection ratio of sideband separator, and spectral responses of acousto-optic spectrometer (AOS) and (2) by optimizing radiative transfer calculation. We have achieved that the accuracy of this algorithm is better than 1%, and the processing time for single-scan spectra is less than 1 min with 8 parallel processing using a 3.16-GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon processor.

Embryonic development of Python sebae - I: Staging criteria and macroscopic skeletal morphogenesis of the head and limbs.

PubMed

Boughner, Julia C; Buchtová, Marcela; Fu, Katherine; Diewert, Virginia; Hallgrímsson, Benedikt; Richman, Joy M

2007-01-01

This study explores the post-ovipositional craniofacial development of the African Rock Python (Python sebae). We first describe a staging system based on external characteristics and next use whole-mount skeletal staining supplemented with Computed tomography (CT) scanning to examine skeletal development. Our results show that python embryos are in early stages of organogenesis at the time of laying, with separate facial prominences and pharyngeal clefts still visible. Limb buds are also visible. By 11 days (stage 3), the chondrocranium is nearly fully formed; however, few intramembranous bones can be detected. One week later (stage 4), many of the intramembranous upper and lower jaw bones are visible but the calvaria are not present. Skeletal elements in the limbs also begin to form. Between stages 4 (day 18) and 7 (day 44), the complete set of intramembranous bones in the jaws and calvaria develops. Hindlimb development does not progress beyond stage 6 (33 days) and remains rudimentary throughout adult life. In contrast to other reptiles, there are two rows of teeth in the upper jaw. The outer tooth row is attached to the maxillary and premaxillary bones, whereas the inner row is attached to the pterygoid and palatine bones. Erupted teeth can be seen in whole-mount stage 10 specimens and are present in an unerupted, mineralized state at stage 7. Micro-CT analysis reveals that all the young membranous bones can be recognized even out of the context of the skull. These data demonstrate intrinsic patterning of the intramembranous bones, even though they form without a cartilaginous template. In addition, intramembranous bone morphology is established prior to muscle function, which can influence bone shape through differential force application. After careful staging, we conclude that python skeletal development occurs slowly enough to observe in good detail the early stages of craniofacial skeletogenesis. Thus, reptilian animal models will offer unique opportunities for understanding the early influences that contribute to perinatal bone shape.

Development of limb volume measuring system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bhagat, P. K.; Kadaba, P. K.

1983-01-01

The mechanisms underlying the reductions in orthostatic tolerance associated with weightlessness are not well established. Contradictory results from measurements of leg volume changes suggest that altered venomotor tone and reduced blood flow may not be the only contributors to orthostatic intolerance. It is felt that a more accurate limb volume system which is insensitive to environmental factors will aid in better quantification of the hemodynamics of the leg. Of the varous limb volume techniques presently available, the ultrasonic limb volume system has proven to be the best choice. The system as described herein is free from environmental effects, safe, simple to operate and causes negligible radio frequency interference problems. The segmental ultrasonic ultrasonic plethysmograph is expected to provide a better measurement of limb volume change since it is based on cross-sectional area measurements.

Interactive visuo-motor therapy system for stroke rehabilitation.

PubMed

Eng, Kynan; Siekierka, Ewa; Pyk, Pawel; Chevrier, Edith; Hauser, Yves; Cameirao, Monica; Holper, Lisa; Hägni, Karin; Zimmerli, Lukas; Duff, Armin; Schuster, Corina; Bassetti, Claudio; Verschure, Paul; Kiper, Daniel

2007-09-01

We present a virtual reality (VR)-based motor neurorehabilitation system for stroke patients with upper limb paresis. It is based on two hypotheses: (1) observed actions correlated with self-generated or intended actions engage cortical motor observation, planning and execution areas ("mirror neurons"); (2) activation in damaged parts of motor cortex can be enhanced by viewing mirrored movements of non-paretic limbs. We postulate that our approach, applied during the acute post-stroke phase, facilitates motor re-learning and improves functional recovery. The patient controls a first-person view of virtual arms in tasks varying from simple (hitting objects) to complex (grasping and moving objects). The therapist adjusts weighting factors in the non-paretic limb to move the paretic virtual limb, thereby stimulating the mirror neuron system and optimizing patient motivation through graded task success. We present the system's neuroscientific background, technical details and preliminary results.

Comparison of transtibial amputee and non-amputee biomechanics during a common turning task.

PubMed

Segal, Ava D; Orendurff, Michael S; Czerniecki, Joseph M; Schoen, Jason; Klute, Glenn K

2011-01-01

The biomechanics of amputee turning gait has been minimally studied, in spite of its integral relationship with the more complex gait required for household or community ambulation. This study compares the biomechanics of unilateral transtibial amputees and non-amputees completing a common turning task. Full body gait analysis was completed for subjects walking at comparable self-selected speeds around a 1m radius circular path. Peak internal and external rotation moments of the hip, knee and ankle, mediolateral ground reaction impulse (ML GRI), peak effective limb length, and stride length were compared across conditions (non-amputee, amputee prosthetic limb, amputee sound limb). Amputees showed decreased internal rotation moments at the prosthetic limb hip and knee compared to non-amputees, perhaps as a protective mechanism to minimize stress on the residual limb. There was also an increase in amputee sound limb hip external rotation moment in early stance compared to non-amputees, which may be a compensation for the decrease in prosthetic limb internal rotation moment during late stance of the prior step. ML GRI was decreased for the amputee inside limb compared to non-amputee, possibly to minimize the body's acceleration in the direction of the turn. Amputees also exhibited a shorter inside limb stride length compared to non-amputees. Both decreased ML GRI and stride length indicate a COM that is more centered over the base of support, which may minimize the risk of falling. Finally, a longer effective limb length was found for the amputee inside limb turning, possibly due to excessive trunk shift. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Objective assessment of the compensatory effect of clinical hind limb lameness in horses: 37 cases (2011-2014).

PubMed

Maliye, Sylvia; Marshall, John F

2016-10-15

OBJECTIVE To characterize and describe the compensatory load redistribution that results from unilateral hind limb lameness in horses. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 37 client-owned horses. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed to identify horses with unilateral hind limb lameness that responded positively (by objective assessment) to diagnostic local anesthesia during lameness evaluation and that were evaluated before and after diagnostic local anesthesia with an inertial sensor-based lameness diagnosis system. Horses were grouped as having hind limb lameness only, hind limb and ipsilateral forelimb lameness, or hind limb and contralateral forelimb lameness. Measures of head and pelvic movement asymmetry before (baseline) and after diagnostic local anesthesia were compared. The effect of group on baseline pelvic movement asymmetry variables was analyzed statistically. RESULTS Maximum pelvic height significantly decreased from the baseline value after diagnostic local anesthesia in each of the 3 lameness groups and in all horses combined. Minimum pelvic height significantly decreased after the procedure in all groups except the hind limb and contralateral forelimb lameness group. Head movement asymmetry was significantly decreased after diagnostic local anesthesia for horses with hind limb and ipsilateral forelimb lameness and for all horses combined, but not for those with hind limb lameness only or those with hind limb and contralateral forelimb lameness. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results supported that hind limb lameness can cause compensatory load redistribution evidenced as ipsilateral forelimb lameness. In this population of horses, contralateral forelimb lameness was not compensatory and likely reflected true lameness. Further studies are needed to investigate the source of the contralateral forelimb lameness in such horses.

Earth Observing-1 Advanced Land Imager: Imaging Performance On-Orbit

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hearn, D. R.

2002-01-01

This report analyzes the on-orbit imaging performance of the Advanced Land Imager (ALI) on the Earth Observing-1 satellite. The pre-flight calibrations are first summarized. The methods used to reconstruct and geometrically correct the image data from this push-broom sensor are described. The method used here does not refer to the position and attitude telemetry from the spacecraft. Rather, it is assumed that the image of the scene moves across the focal plane with a constant velocity, which can be ascertained from the image data itself. Next, an assortment of the images so reconstructed is presented. Color images sharpened with the 10-m panchromatic band data are shown, and the algorithm for producing them from the 30-m multispectral data is described. The approach taken for assessing spatial resolution is to compare the sharpness of features in the on-orbit image data with profiles predicted on the basis of the pre-flight calibrations. A large assortment of bridge profiles is analyzed, and very good fits to the predicted shapes are obtained. Lunar calibration scans are analyzed to examine the sharpness of the edge-spread function at the limb of the moon. The darkness of the space beyond the limb is better for this purpose than anything that could be simulated on the ground. From these scans, we find clear evidence of scattering in the optical system, as well as some weak ghost images. Scans of planets and stars are also analyzed. Stars are useful point sources of light at all wavelengths, and delineate the point-spread functions of the system. From a quarter-speed scan over the Pleiades, we find that the ALI can detect 6th magnitude stars. The quality of the reconstructed images verifies the capability of the ALI to produce Landsat-type multi spectral data. The signal-to-noise and panchromatic spatial resolution are considerably superior to those of the existing Landsat sensors. The spatial resolution is confirmed to be as good as it was designed to be.

Severe brain atrophy after long-term survival seen in siblings with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and a mutation in the optineurin gene: a case series.

PubMed

Ueno, Hiroki; Kobatake, Keitaro; Matsumoto, Masayasu; Morino, Hiroyuki; Maruyama, Hirofumi; Kawakami, Hideshi

2011-12-12

Previous studies have shown widespread multisystem degeneration in patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who develop a total locked-in state and survive under mechanical ventilation for a prolonged period of time. However, the disease progressions reported in these studies were several years after disease onset. There have been no reports of long-term follow-up with brain imaging of patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis at an advanced stage of the disease. We report the cases of siblings with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with homozygous deletions of the exon 5 mutation of the gene encoding optineurin, in whom brain computed tomography scans were followed up for more than 20 years. The patients were a Japanese brother and sister. The elder sister was 33 years of age at the onset of disease, which began with muscle weakness of her left lower limb. Two years later she required mechanical ventilation. She became bedridden at the age of 34, and died at the age of 57. A computed tomography scan of her brain at the age of 36 revealed no abnormality. Atrophy of her brain gradually progressed. Ten years after the onset of mechanical ventilation, atrophy of her whole brain, including the cerebral cortex, brain stem and cerebellum, markedly progressed. Her younger brother was 36 years of age at the onset of disease, which presented as muscle weakness of his left upper limb. One year later, he showed dysphagia and dysarthria, and tracheostomy ventilation was performed. He became bedridden at the age of 37 and died at the age of 55. There were no abnormal intracranial findings on brain computed tomography scans obtained at the age of 37 years. At the age of 48 years, computed tomography scans showed marked brain atrophy with ventricular dilatation. Subsequently, atrophy of the whole brain rapidly progressed as in his elder sister. We conclude that a homozygous deletion-type mutation in the optineurin gene may be associated with widespread multisystem degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Botulinum Toxin Type a Injection, Followed by Home-Based Functional Training for Upper Limb Hemiparesis after Stroke

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Takekawa, Toru; Kakuda, Wataru; Taguchi, Kensuke; Ishikawa, Atsushi; Sase, Yousuke; Abo, Masahiro

2012-01-01

Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) has been reported to be an effective treatment for limb spasticity after stroke. However, the reduction in the spasticity after BoNT-A injection alone does not ensure an improvement in the active motor function of the affected limb. The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical effects of a BoNT-A injection,…

Home-based neurologic music therapy for upper limb rehabilitation with stroke patients at community rehabilitation stage—a feasibility study protocol

PubMed Central

Street, Alexander J.; Magee, Wendy L.; Odell-Miller, Helen; Bateman, Andrew; Fachner, Jorg C.

2015-01-01

Background: Impairment of upper limb function following stroke is more common than lower limb impairment and is also more resistant to treatment. Several lab-based studies with stroke patients have produced statistically significant gains in upper limb function when using musical instrument playing and techniques where rhythm acts as an external time-keeper for the priming and timing of upper limb movements. Methods: For this feasibility study a small sample size of 14 participants (3–60 months post stroke) has been determined through clinical discussion between the researcher and study host in order to test for management, feasibility and effects, before planning a larger trial determined through power analysis. A cross-over design with five repeated measures will be used, whereby participants will be randomized into either a treatment (n = 7) or wait list control (n = 7) group. Intervention will take place twice weekly over 6 weeks. The ARAT and 9HPT will be used to measure for quantitative gains in arm function and finger dexterity, pre/post treatment interviews will serve to investigate treatment compliance and tolerance. A lab based EEG case comparison study will be undertaken to explore audio-motor coupling, brain connectivity and neural reorganization with this intervention, as evidenced in similar studies. Discussion: Before evaluating the effectiveness of a home-based intervention in a larger scale study, it is important to assess whether implementation of the trial methodology is feasible. This study investigates the feasibility, efficacy and patient experience of a music therapy treatment protocol comprising a chart of 12 different instrumental exercises and variations, which aims at promoting measurable changes in upper limb function in hemiparetic stroke patients. The study proposes to examine several new aspects including home-based treatment and dosage, and will provide data on recruitment, adherence and variability of outcomes. PMID:26441586

Home-based neurologic music therapy for upper limb rehabilitation with stroke patients at community rehabilitation stage-a feasibility study protocol.

PubMed

Street, Alexander J; Magee, Wendy L; Odell-Miller, Helen; Bateman, Andrew; Fachner, Jorg C

2015-01-01

Impairment of upper limb function following stroke is more common than lower limb impairment and is also more resistant to treatment. Several lab-based studies with stroke patients have produced statistically significant gains in upper limb function when using musical instrument playing and techniques where rhythm acts as an external time-keeper for the priming and timing of upper limb movements. For this feasibility study a small sample size of 14 participants (3-60 months post stroke) has been determined through clinical discussion between the researcher and study host in order to test for management, feasibility and effects, before planning a larger trial determined through power analysis. A cross-over design with five repeated measures will be used, whereby participants will be randomized into either a treatment (n = 7) or wait list control (n = 7) group. Intervention will take place twice weekly over 6 weeks. The ARAT and 9HPT will be used to measure for quantitative gains in arm function and finger dexterity, pre/post treatment interviews will serve to investigate treatment compliance and tolerance. A lab based EEG case comparison study will be undertaken to explore audio-motor coupling, brain connectivity and neural reorganization with this intervention, as evidenced in similar studies. Before evaluating the effectiveness of a home-based intervention in a larger scale study, it is important to assess whether implementation of the trial methodology is feasible. This study investigates the feasibility, efficacy and patient experience of a music therapy treatment protocol comprising a chart of 12 different instrumental exercises and variations, which aims at promoting measurable changes in upper limb function in hemiparetic stroke patients. The study proposes to examine several new aspects including home-based treatment and dosage, and will provide data on recruitment, adherence and variability of outcomes.

3D templating and patient-specific cutting guides (Knee-Plan) in total knee arthroplasty: postoperative CT-based assessment of implant positioning.

PubMed

Franceschi, J-P; Sbihi, A

2014-10-01

The precision of bone cuts and the positioning of components influence the functionality and longevity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of TKA, performed after 3D preoperative templating, with the prosthesis implanted using custom cutting guides (Knee-Plan system, Symbios Orthopédie SA). This prospective study investigated 107 TKAs. Three-dimensional preoperative templating was carried out on the surface views and CT views to analyze the deformation of the lower limb and plan the implantation. The components were positioned in an individualized manner to realign the lower limb and provide ligament balance based on bone landmarks. Final component positioning was analyzed in the three planes with a postoperative CT scan. The preoperative and 1 year follow-up IKS and WOMAC scores were collected and compared. All the cutting guides were stable and functional. Femoral component planning was reproduced with 0 ± 2 precision in the frontal plane (94%± 3), 2 ± 3 in the sagittal plane, and 0 ± 2 in the transverse plane. The precision of the tibial component was reproduced with 0 ± 2 precision in the frontal plane (93%± 3) and 0 ± 4 in the sagittal plane. The HKA angle increased from 177 ± 7 preoperatively to 180 ± 3 at 1 year of follow-up. The IKS and WOMAC scores were significantly improved at 1 year (P<0.0001). The Knee-Plan system can be a realistic, simple, and reliable alternative to conventional cutting guides and to computer-assisted surgery for TKA implantation. IV; prospective cohort study. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

The New Horizons Radio Science Experiment: Performance and Measurements of Pluto's Atmospheric Structure, Surface Pressure, and Surface Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linscott, I.; Hinson, D. P.; Bird, M. K.; Stern, A.; Weaver, H. A., Jr.; Olkin, C.; Young, L. A.; Ennico Smith, K.

2015-12-01

The New Horizons (NH) spacecraft payload contained the Radio Science Experiment (REX) for determining key characteristics of Pluto and Charon during the July 14, 2015, flyby of the Pluto/Charon system. The REX flight equipment augments the NH X-band radio transceiver by providing a high precision, narrow band recording of high power uplink transmissions from Earth stations, as well as a record of broadband radiometric power. This presentation will review the performance and initial results of two high- priority observations. First, REX received two pair of 20-kW signals, one pair per polarization, transmitted from the DSN at 4.2-cm wavelength during a diametric radio occultation by Pluto. REX recorded these uplink signals and determined precise measurement of the surface pressure, the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere, and the surface radius of Pluto. The ingress portion of one polarization was played back from the spacecraft in July and processed to obtain the pressure and temperature structure of Pluto's atmosphere. Second, REX measured the thermal emission from Pluto at 4.2- cm wavelength during two linear scans across the disk at close range when both the dayside and the night side are visible. Both scans extend from limb to limb with a resolution of one-tenth Pluto's disk and temperature resolution of 0.1 K. Occultation and radiometric temperature results presented here will encompass additional data scheduled for playback in September.

Engagement of the left extrastriate body area during body-part metaphor comprehension.

PubMed

Lacey, Simon; Stilla, Randall; Deshpande, Gopikrishna; Zhao, Sinan; Stephens, Careese; McCormick, Kelly; Kemmerer, David; Sathian, K

2017-03-01

Grounded cognition explanations of metaphor comprehension predict activation of sensorimotor cortices relevant to the metaphor's source domain. We tested this prediction for body-part metaphors using functional magnetic resonance imaging while participants heard sentences containing metaphorical or literal references to body parts, and comparable control sentences. Localizer scans identified body-part-specific motor, somatosensory and visual cortical regions. Both subject- and item-wise analyses showed that, relative to control sentences, metaphorical but not literal sentences evoked limb metaphor-specific activity in the left extrastriate body area (EBA), paralleling the EBA's known visual limb-selectivity. The EBA focus exhibited resting-state functional connectivity with ipsilateral semantic processing regions. In some of these regions, the strength of resting-state connectivity correlated with individual preference for verbal processing. Effective connectivity analyses showed that, during metaphor comprehension, activity in some semantic regions drove that in the EBA. These results provide converging evidence for grounding of metaphor processing in domain-specific sensorimotor cortical activity. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal sac in a spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta).

PubMed

Goodnight, Andrea L; Traslavina, Ryan P; Emanuelson, Karen; Affolter, Verena K; Gaffney, Patricia M; Vernau, William; Williams, Colette; Wu, Connie I-kuan; Sturges, Beverly K; Lowenstine, Linda J

2013-12-01

A 25-yr-old spayed female spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) developed intermittent right pelvic limb lameness that persisted following conservative medical therapy. No obvious musculoskeletal lesions were noted on initial physical exam; however, spinal radiography was suspicious for possible intervertebral degenerative joint disease or discospondylitis. Despite prolonged medical therapy, the lameness progressed to minimal weight bearing and marked muscle atrophy of the right pelvic limb. Electromyography showed spontaneous activity in the muscles of right sciatic nerve distribution. Sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities in the right tibial and peroneal nerves were undetectable and markedly reduced, respectively. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed a large, space-occupying mass on the right side of the sacrum and pelvis. Antemortem fine-needle aspiration of the mass and postmortem histopathology resulted in diagnosis of a high-grade squamous cell carcinoma of the anal sac. Squamous cell carcinoma of the anal sac is very rare in domestic dogs and previously unreported in spotted hyenas.

In vivo longitudinal micro-CT study of bent long limb bones in rat offspring.

PubMed

De Schaepdrijver, Luc; Delille, Peter; Geys, Helena; Boehringer-Shahidi, Christian; Vanhove, Christian

2014-07-01

Micro-computed X-ray tomography (micro-CT) has been reported as a reliable method to assess ex vivo rat and rabbit fetal skeletons in embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies. Since micro-CT is a non-invasive imaging modality it has the potential for longitudinal, in vivo investigation of postnatal skeletal development. This is the first paper using micro-CT to assess the reversibility of drug-induced bent long bones in a longitudinal study from birth to early adulthood in rat offspring. Analysis of the scans obtained on postnatal Day 0, 7, 21 and 80 showed complete recovery or repair of the bent long limb bones (including the scapula) within the first 3 weeks. When assessing risk the ability to demonstrate recovery is highly advantageous when interpreting such transient skeletal change. In summary, in vivo micro-CT of small laboratory animals can aid in non-clinical safety assessment, particularly for specific mechanistic purposes or to address a particular concern in developmental biology. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lower limb and back pain in Guillain-Barré syndrome and associated contrast enhancement in MRI of the cauda equina.

PubMed

Wilmshurst, J M; Thomas, N H; Robinson, R O; Bingham, J B; Pohl, K R

2001-06-01

This study assesses the frequency of lower limb and back pain in children with Guillain-Barré syndrome and reviews the magnetic resonance imaging results of those undergoing spinal imaging. Over an 8-y period, nine children presented with various combinations of severe back pain, leg pains, impairment of gait and bladder dysfunction. Guillain-Barré syndrome was confirmed on clinical examination and peripheral electrophysiology (n = 8). Magnetic resonance imaging in four patients, following contrast injection, showed enhancement of the cauda equine and, additionally, of the cervical nerve roots in one of the patients. A further patient, who was not scanned with contrast, had abnormal thickening of the lumbar roots. Carbamazepine and steroids were effectively used for analgesia in three cases. All the patients recovered. Guillain-Barré syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of children presenting with back and/or leg pain. Early diagnosis ensures prompt monitoring for autonomic dysfunction and respiratory compromise.

Epithelioid sarcoma of the spine: case report and literature review.

PubMed

Chamadoira, Clara; Pereira, Paulo; Silva, Pedro S; Castro, Ligia; Vaz, Rui

2014-01-01

Epithelioid sarcomas are rare mesenchymal neoplasms mainly arising in the limbs of young adults. We report the case of a 24-year-old male presenting low back pain radiating to both lower limbs, constipation and urinary retention. The MRI scan showed an intraspinal lesion extending from L4 to S2. Surgery resulted in gross total removal of the extradural lesion and partial removal of the intradural component. The immunohistological study of the lesion was consistent with an epithelioid sarcoma. The patient was submitted to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but a local recurrence of the lesion and dissemination along the neuraxis were observed 3 months after surgery. Despite treatment, the patient died 4 months after the surgical procedure due to multiorgan failure. Despite there being isolated reports of epithelioid sarcomas appearing in the spine, this is, to our knowledge, the first case with intradural extension. Copyright © 2013 Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

Development and preliminary evaluation of a new anatomically based prosthetic alignment method for below-knee prosthesis.

PubMed

Tafti, Nahid; Karimlou, Masoud; Mardani, Mohammad Ali; Jafarpisheh, Amir Salar; Aminian, Gholam Reza; Safari, Reza

2018-04-20

The objectives of current study were to a) assess similarities and relationships between anatomical landmark-based angles and distances of lower limbs in unilateral transtibial amputees and b) develop and evaluate a new anatomically based static prosthetic alignment method. First sub-study assessed the anthropometrical differences and relationships between the lower limbs in the photographs taken from amputees. Data were analysed via paired t-test and regression analysis. Results show no significant differences in frontal and transverse planes. In the sagittal plane, the anthropometric parameters of the amputated limb were significantly correlated to the corresponding variables of the sound limb. The results served as bases for the development of a new prosthetic alignment method. The method was evaluated on a single subject study. Prosthetic alignment carried out by an experienced prosthetist was compared with such alignment adjusted by an inexperienced prosthetist but with the use of the developed method. In sagittal and frontal planes, the socket angle was tuned with respect to the shin angle, and the position of the prosthetic foot was tuned in relation to the pelvic landmarks. Further study is needed to assess the proposed method on a larger sample of amputees and prosthetists.

Retrieval of ozone profiles from OMPS limb scattering observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arosio, Carlo; Rozanov, Alexei; Malinina, Elizaveta; Eichmann, Kai-Uwe; von Clarmann, Thomas; Burrows, John P.

2018-04-01

This study describes a retrieval algorithm developed at the University of Bremen to obtain vertical profiles of ozone from limb observations performed by the Ozone Mapper and Profiler Suite (OMPS). This algorithm is based on the technique originally developed for use with data from the SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) instrument. As both instruments make limb measurements of the scattered solar radiation in the ultraviolet (UV) and visible (Vis) spectral ranges, an underlying objective of the study is to obtain consolidated and consistent ozone profiles from the two satellites and to produce a combined data set. The retrieval algorithm uses radiances in the UV and Vis wavelength ranges normalized to the radiance at an upper tangent height to obtain ozone concentrations in the altitude range of 12-60 km. Measurements at altitudes contaminated by clouds in the instrument field of view are identified and filtered out. An independent aerosol retrieval is performed beforehand and its results are used to account for the stratospheric aerosol load in the ozone inversion. The typical vertical resolution of the retrieved profiles varies from ˜ 2.5 km at lower altitudes ( < 30 km) to ˜ 1.5 km (about 45 km) and becomes coarser at upper altitudes. The retrieval errors resulting from the measurement noise are estimated to be 1-4 % above 25 km, increasing to 10-30 % in the upper troposphere. OMPS data are processed for the whole of 2016. The results are compared with the NASA product and validated against profiles derived from passive satellite observations or measured in situ by balloon-borne sondes. Between 20 and 60 km, OMPS ozone profiles typically agree with data from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) v4.2 within 5-10 %, whereas in the lower altitude range the bias becomes larger, especially in the tropics. The comparison of OMPS profiles with ozonesonde measurements shows differences within ±5 % between 13 and 30 km at northern middle and high latitudes. At southern middle and high latitudes, an agreement within 5-7 % is also achieved in the same altitude range. An unexpected bias of approximately 10-20 % is detected in the lower tropical stratosphere. The processing of the 2013 data set using the same retrieval settings and its validation against ozonesondes reveals a much smaller bias; a possible reason for this behaviour is discussed.

A cortical-spinal prosthesis for targeted limb movement in paralyzed primate avatars

PubMed Central

Shanechi, Maryam M.; Hu, Rollin C.; Williams, Ziv M.

2014-01-01

Motor paralysis is among the most disabling aspects of injury to the central nervous system. Here we develop and test a target-based cortical-spinal neural prosthesis that employs neural activity recorded from pre-motor neurons to control limb movements in functionally paralyzed primate avatars. Given the complexity by which muscle contractions are naturally controlled, we approach the problem of eliciting goal-directed limb movement in paralyzed animals by focusing on the intended targets of movement rather than their intermediate trajectories. We then match this information in real-time with spinal cord and muscle stimulation parameters that produce free planar limb movements to those intended target locations. We demonstrate that both the decoded activities of pre-motor populations and their adaptive responses can be used, after brief training, to effectively direct an avatar’s limb to distinct targets variably displayed on a screen. These findings advance the future possibility of reconstituting targeted limb movement in paralyzed subjects. PMID:24549394

Movement analysis of upper limb during resistance training using general purpose robot arm "PA10"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morita, Yoshifumi; Yamamoto, Takashi; Suzuki, Takahiro; Hirose, Akinori; Ukai, Hiroyuki; Matsui, Nobuyuki

2005-12-01

In this paper we perform movement analysis of an upper limb during resistance training. We selected sanding training, which is one type of resistance training for upper limbs widely performed in occupational therapy. Our final aims in the future are to quantitatively evaluate the therapeutic effect of upper limb motor function during training and to develop a new rehabilitation training support system. For these purposes, first of all we perform movement analysis using a conventional training tool. By measuring upper limb motion during the sanding training we perform feature abstraction. Next we perform movement analysis using the simulated sanding training system. This system is constructed using the general purpose robot arm "PA10". This system enables us to measure the force/torque exerted by subjects and to easily change the load of resistance. The control algorithm is based on impedance control. We found these features of the upper limb motion during the sanding training.

ITRAQ-based quantitative proteomic analysis of Cynops orientalis limb regeneration.

PubMed

Tang, Jie; Yu, Yuan; Zheng, Hanxue; Yin, Lu; Sun, Mei; Wang, Wenjun; Cui, Jihong; Liu, Wenguang; Xie, Xin; Chen, Fulin

2017-09-22

Salamanders regenerate their limbs after amputation. However, the molecular mechanism of this unique regeneration remains unclear. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to quantitatively identify differentially expressed proteins in regenerating limbs 3, 7, 14, 30 and 42 days post amputation (dpa). Of 2636 proteins detected in total, 253 proteins were differentially expressed during different regeneration stages. Among these proteins, Asporin, Cadherin-13, Keratin, Collagen alpha-1(XI) and Titin were down-regulated. CAPG, Coronin-1A, AnnexinA1, Cathepsin B were up-regulated compared with the control. The identified proteins were further analyzed to obtain information about their expression patterns and functions in limb regeneration. Functional analysis indicated that the differentially expressed proteins were associated with wound healing, immune response, cellular process, metabolism and binding. This work indicated that significant proteome alternations occurred during salamander limb regeneration. The results may provide fundamental knowledge to understand the mechanism of limb regeneration.

Limb darkening effect on transit light curves of HAT-P-32b

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ćuha, H.; Erdem, A.

2018-02-01

The transit light curve of a transiting exoplanet offers us an opportunity to measure the fractional radius, semi-major axis and orbital inclination of the star-planet system. Precision of those parameters is strongly affected by limb darkening of the host star. In this study, we examine the limb darkening effect on the transit light curves of HAT-P-32b. The transit light curves of HAT-P-32b were observed on three nights at TUBITAK National Observatory with a 100-cm aperture telescope in Bessel R and V filters. The light curves were solved using jktebop code. Linear, square root, logarithmic and quadratic limb darkening laws were taken into account during the analysis. The derived limb darkening coefficients from our observations were then compared with theoretical values given in the literature. We conclude that more sensitive data, such as space based photometric observations, are needed in order to determine the limb darkening coefficients accurately.

EMG based FES for post-stroke rehabilitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Piyus, Ceethal K.; Anjaly Cherian, V.; Nageswaran, Sharmila

2017-11-01

Annually, 15 million in world population experiences stroke. Nearly 9 million stroke survivors every year experience mild to severe disability. The loss of upper extremity function in stroke survivors still remains a major rehabilitation challenge. The proposed EMG Abstract—Annually, 15 million in world population experiences stroke. Nearly 9 million stroke survivors every year experience mild to severe disability. The loss of upper extremity function in stroke survivors still remains a major rehabilitation challenge. The proposed EMG based FES system can be used for effective upper limb motor re-education in post stroke upper limb rehabilitation. The governing feature of the designed system is its synchronous activation, in which the FES stimulation is dependent on the amplitude of the EMG signal acquired from the unaffected upper limb muscle of the hemiplegic patient. This proportionate operation eliminates the undesirable damage to the patient’s skin by generating stimulus in proportion to voluntary EMG signals. This feature overcomes the disadvantages of currently available manual motor re-education systems. This model can be used in home-based post stroke rehabilitation, to effectively improve the upper limb functions.

Does assist-as-needed upper limb robotic therapy promote participation in repetitive activity-based motor training in sub-acute stroke patients with severe paresis?

PubMed

Grosmaire, Anne-Gaëlle; Duret, Christophe

2017-01-01

Repetitive, active movement-based training promotes brain plasticity and motor recovery after stroke. Robotic therapy provides highly repetitive therapy that reduces motor impairment. However, the effect of assist-as-needed algorithms on patient participation and movement quality is not known. To analyze patient participation and motor performance during highly repetitive assist-as-needed upper limb robotic therapy in a retrospective study. Sixteen patients with sub-acute stroke carried out a 16-session upper limb robotic training program combined with usual care. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) score was evaluated pre and post training. Robotic assistance parameters and Performance measures were compared within and across sessions. Robotic assistance did not change within-session and decreased between sessions during the training program. Motor performance did not decrease within-session and improved between sessions. Velocity-related assistance parameters improved more quickly than accuracy-related parameters. An assist-as-needed-based upper limb robotic training provided intense and repetitive rehabilitation and promoted patient participation and motor performance, facilitating motor recovery.

Medial knee joint contact force in the intact limb during walking in recently ambulatory service members with unilateral limb loss: a cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Krupenevich, Rebecca L.; Pruziner, Alison L.; Wolf, Erik J.; Schnall, Barri L.

2017-01-01

Background Individuals with unilateral lower limb amputation have a high risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA) in their intact limb as they age. This risk may be related to joint loading experienced earlier in life. We hypothesized that loading during walking would be greater in the intact limb of young US military service members with limb loss than in controls with no limb loss. Methods Cross-sectional instrumented gait analysis at self-selected walking speeds with a limb loss group (N = 10, age 27 ± 5 years, 170 ± 36 days since last surgery) including five service members with transtibial limb loss and five with transfemoral limb loss, all walking independently with their first prosthesis for approximately two months. Controls (N = 10, age 30 ± 4 years) were service members with no overt demographical risk factors for knee OA. 3D inverse dynamics modeling was performed to calculate joint moments and medial knee joint contact forces (JCF) were calculated using a reduction-based musculoskeletal modeling method and expressed relative to body weight (BW). Results Peak JCF and maximum JCF loading rate were significantly greater in limb loss (184% BW, 2,469% BW/s) vs. controls (157% BW, 1,985% BW/s), with large effect sizes. Results were robust to probabilistic perturbations to the knee model parameters. Discussion Assuming these data are reflective of joint loading experienced in daily life, they support a “mechanical overloading” hypothesis for the risk of developing knee OA in the intact limb of limb loss subjects. Examination of the evolution of gait mechanics, joint loading, and joint health over time, as well as interventions to reduce load or strengthen the ability of the joint to withstand loads, is warranted. PMID:28168120

The importance of aerodynamics for prosthetic limb design used by competitive cyclists with an amputation: An introduction.

PubMed

Dyer, Bryce

2015-06-01

This study introduces the importance of the aerodynamics to prosthetic limb design for athletes with either a lower-limb or upper-limb amputation. The study comprises two elements: 1) An initial experiment investigating the stability of outdoor velodrome-based field tests, and 2) An experiment evaluating the application of outdoor velodrome aerodynamic field tests to detect small-scale changes in aerodynamic drag respective of prosthetic limb componentry changes. An outdoor field-testing method is used to detect small and repeatable changes in the aerodynamic drag of an able-bodied cyclist. These changes were made at levels typical of alterations in prosthetic componentry. The field-based test method of assessment is used at a smaller level of resolution than previously reported. With a carefully applied protocol, the field test method proved to be statistically stable. The results of the field test experiments demonstrate a noticeable change in overall athlete performance. Aerodynamic refinement of artificial limbs is worthwhile for athletes looking to maximise their competitive performance. A field-testing method illustrates the importance of the aerodynamic optimisation of prosthetic limb components. The field-testing protocol undertaken in this study gives an accessible and affordable means of doing so by prosthetists and sports engineers. Using simple and accessible field-testing methods, this exploratory experiment demonstrates how small changes to riders' equipment, consummate of the scale of a small change in prosthetics componentry, can affect the performance of an athlete. Prosthetists should consider such opportunities for performance enhancement when possible. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2014.

Gait Phase Recognition for Lower-Limb Exoskeleton with Only Joint Angular Sensors

PubMed Central

Liu, Du-Xin; Wu, Xinyu; Du, Wenbin; Wang, Can; Xu, Tiantian

2016-01-01

Gait phase is widely used for gait trajectory generation, gait control and gait evaluation on lower-limb exoskeletons. So far, a variety of methods have been developed to identify the gait phase for lower-limb exoskeletons. Angular sensors on lower-limb exoskeletons are essential for joint closed-loop controlling; however, other types of sensors, such as plantar pressure, attitude or inertial measurement unit, are not indispensable.Therefore, to make full use of existing sensors, we propose a novel gait phase recognition method for lower-limb exoskeletons using only joint angular sensors. The method consists of two procedures. Firstly, the gait deviation distances during walking are calculated and classified by Fisher’s linear discriminant method, and one gait cycle is divided into eight gait phases. The validity of the classification results is also verified based on large gait samples. Secondly, we build a gait phase recognition model based on multilayer perceptron and train it with the phase-labeled gait data. The experimental result of cross-validation shows that the model has a 94.45% average correct rate of set (CRS) and an 87.22% average correct rate of phase (CRP) on the testing set, and it can predict the gait phase accurately. The novel method avoids installing additional sensors on the exoskeleton or human body and simplifies the sensory system of the lower-limb exoskeleton. PMID:27690023

Preoperative DTI and probabilistic tractography in an amputee with deep brain stimulation for lower limb stump pain.

PubMed

Owen, S L F; Heath, J; Kringelbach, M L; Stein, J F; Aziz, T Z

2007-10-01

This study aimed to find out whether preoperative diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and probabilistic tractography could help with surgical planning for deep brain stimulation in the periaqueductal/periventricular grey area (PAG/PVG) in a patient with lower leg stump pain. A preoperative DTI was obtained from the patient, who then received DBS surgery in the PAG/PVG area with good pain relief. The postoperative MRI scan showing electrode placement was used to calculate four seed areas to represent the contacts on the Medtronic 3387 electrode. Probabilistic tractography was then performed from the pre-operative DTI image. Tracts were seen to connect to many areas within the pain network from the four different contacts. These initial findings suggest that preoperative DTI scanning and probabilistic tractography may be able to assist surgical planning in the future.

Plasticity in cortical motor upper-limb representation following stroke and rehabilitation: two longitudinal multi-joint FMRI case-studies.

PubMed

Stark, A; Meiner, Z; Lefkovitz, R; Levin, N

2012-04-01

Motor dysfunction and recovery following stroke and rehabilitation are associated with primary motor cortex plasticity. To better track these effects we studied two patients with sub-acute sub-cortical stroke causing hemiparesis, who underwent an effective behavioral treatment termed Constraint Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT). The therapy involves 2 weeks of intensive motor training of the hemiparetic limb coupled with immobilization of the unaffected limb. The study included a longitudinal series of clinical evaluations and fMRI scans, before and after the treatment. The fMRI task included wrist, elbow, or ankle movements. Activity in the M1 upper-limb region of control subjects was stable, strictly contralateral, and similar in amplitude for elbow and wrist movements. These findings reflect the well-known contralateral motor control and support the idea of overlapping representations of adjacent joints in M1. In both patients, pre-CIMT activation patterns in M1 were tested twice and did not change significantly, were contralateral, and included elbow-wrist differences. Following CIMT, the clinical condition of both patients improved and three fMRI-explored prototypes were found: First, cluster position remained constant; Second, ipsilateral activity appeared in the unaffected hemispheres during hemiparetic movements; Third, patient-specific elbow-wrist inter and intra hemispheric differences were modified. All effects were long-lasting. We suggest that overlapping representations of adjacent joints contributed to the cortical plasticity observed following CIMT. Our findings should be confirmed by studying larger groups of homogeneous patients. Nevertheless, this study introduces multi-joint imaging studies and shows that it is both possible and valuable to carry it out in stroke patients.

Structure design of lower limb exoskeletons for gait training

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jianfeng; Zhang, Ziqiang; Tao, Chunjing; Ji, Run

2015-09-01

Due to the close physical interaction between human and machine in process of gait training, lower limb exoskeletons should be safe, comfortable and able to smoothly transfer desired driving force/moments to the patients. Correlatively, in kinematics the exoskeletons are required to be compatible with human lower limbs and thereby to avoid the uncontrollable interactional loads at the human-machine interfaces. Such requirement makes the structure design of exoskeletons very difficult because the human-machine closed chains are complicated. In addition, both the axis misalignments and the kinematic character difference between the exoskeleton and human joints should be taken into account. By analyzing the DOF(degree of freedom) of the whole human-machine closed chain, the human-machine kinematic incompatibility of lower limb exoskeletons is studied. An effective method for the structure design of lower limb exoskeletons, which are kinematically compatible with human lower limb, is proposed. Applying this method, the structure synthesis of the lower limb exoskeletons containing only one-DOF revolute and prismatic joints is investigated; the feasible basic structures of exoskeletons are developed and classified into three different categories. With the consideration of quasi-anthropopathic feature, structural simplicity and wearable comfort of lower limb exoskeletons, a joint replacement and structure comparison based approach to select the ideal structures of lower limb exoskeletons is proposed, by which three optimal exoskeleton structures are obtained. This paper indicates that the human-machine closed chain formed by the exoskeleton and human lower limb should be an even-constrained kinematic system in order to avoid the uncontrollable human-machine interactional loads. The presented method for the structure design of lower limb exoskeletons is universal and simple, and hence can be applied to other kinds of wearable exoskeletons.

Characterization of interfacial socket pressure in transhumeral prostheses: A case series.

PubMed

Schofield, Jonathon S; Schoepp, Katherine R; Williams, Heather E; Carey, Jason P; Marasco, Paul D; Hebert, Jacqueline S

2017-01-01

One of the most important factors in successful upper limb prostheses is the socket design. Sockets must be individually fabricated to arrive at a geometry that suits the user's morphology and appropriately distributes the pressures associated with prosthetic use across the residual limb. In higher levels of amputation, such as transhumeral, this challenge is amplified as prosthetic weight and the physical demands placed on the residual limb are heightened. Yet, in the upper limb, socket fabrication is largely driven by heuristic practices. An analytical understanding of the interactions between the socket and residual limb is absent in literature. This work describes techniques, adapted from lower limb prosthetic research, to empirically characterize the pressure distribution occurring between the residual limb and well-fit transhumeral prosthetic sockets. A case series analyzing the result of four participants with transhumeral amputation is presented. A Tekscan VersaTek pressure measurement system and FaroArm Edge coordinate measurement machine were employed to capture socket-residual limb interface pressures and geometrically register these values to the anatomy of participants. Participants performed two static poses with their prosthesis under two separate loading conditions. Surface pressure maps were constructed from the data, highlighting pressure distribution patterns, anatomical locations bearing maximum pressure, and the relative pressure magnitudes. Pressure distribution patterns demonstrated unique characteristics across the four participants that could be traced to individual socket design considerations. This work presents a technique that implements commercially available tools to quantitatively characterize upper limb socket-residual limb interactions. This is a fundamental first step toward improved socket designs developed through informed, analytically-based design tools.

Characterization of interfacial socket pressure in transhumeral prostheses: A case series

PubMed Central

Schoepp, Katherine R.; Williams, Heather E.; Carey, Jason P.; Marasco, Paul D.

2017-01-01

One of the most important factors in successful upper limb prostheses is the socket design. Sockets must be individually fabricated to arrive at a geometry that suits the user’s morphology and appropriately distributes the pressures associated with prosthetic use across the residual limb. In higher levels of amputation, such as transhumeral, this challenge is amplified as prosthetic weight and the physical demands placed on the residual limb are heightened. Yet, in the upper limb, socket fabrication is largely driven by heuristic practices. An analytical understanding of the interactions between the socket and residual limb is absent in literature. This work describes techniques, adapted from lower limb prosthetic research, to empirically characterize the pressure distribution occurring between the residual limb and well-fit transhumeral prosthetic sockets. A case series analyzing the result of four participants with transhumeral amputation is presented. A Tekscan VersaTek pressure measurement system and FaroArm Edge coordinate measurement machine were employed to capture socket-residual limb interface pressures and geometrically register these values to the anatomy of participants. Participants performed two static poses with their prosthesis under two separate loading conditions. Surface pressure maps were constructed from the data, highlighting pressure distribution patterns, anatomical locations bearing maximum pressure, and the relative pressure magnitudes. Pressure distribution patterns demonstrated unique characteristics across the four participants that could be traced to individual socket design considerations. This work presents a technique that implements commercially available tools to quantitatively characterize upper limb socket-residual limb interactions. This is a fundamental first step toward improved socket designs developed through informed, analytically-based design tools. PMID:28575012

Effect of Surface Reflectivity Variations On Uv-visible Limb Scattering Measurements of The Atmosphere

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oikarinen, L.

Solar UV and visible radiation scattered at the limb of the Earth's atmosphere is used for measuring density profiles of atmosperic trace gases. For example, the OSIRIS instrument on Odin and SCIAMACHY on Envisat use this technique. A limb-viewing instrument does not see Earth's surface or tropospheric clouds directly. However, in- direct light reflected from the surface or low altitude clouds can make up tens of per cents of the signal. Furthermore, the surface area that contributes to limb intensity ex- tends over 1000 km along the instrument line-of-sight and 200 km across it. Over this area surface reflectivity can vary from almost 0% to 100%. Inaccurate modelling of reflected intensity is a potential source of error in the trace gas retrieval. Generally, radiative transfer models used for analysing limb measure- ments have to assume that the surface has a constant albedo. We have used a three- dimensional Monte Carlo radiative transfer model to study the effects of surface vari- ation to limb radiance. Based on the simulations, we have developed an approximate method for averaging surface albedo for limb scattering measurements with the help of a simple single scattering radiative transfer model.

Comparative Transcriptional Profiling of the Axolotl Limb Identifies a Tripartite Regeneration-Specific Gene Program

PubMed Central

Knapp, Dunja; Schulz, Herbert; Rascon, Cynthia Alexander; Volkmer, Michael; Scholz, Juliane; Nacu, Eugen; Le, Mu; Novozhilov, Sergey; Tazaki, Akira; Protze, Stephanie; Jacob, Tina; Hubner, Norbert; Habermann, Bianca; Tanaka, Elly M.

2013-01-01

Understanding how the limb blastema is established after the initial wound healing response is an important aspect of regeneration research. Here we performed parallel expression profile time courses of healing lateral wounds versus amputated limbs in axolotl. This comparison between wound healing and regeneration allowed us to identify amputation-specific genes. By clustering the expression profiles of these samples, we could detect three distinguishable phases of gene expression – early wound healing followed by a transition-phase leading to establishment of the limb development program, which correspond to the three phases of limb regeneration that had been defined by morphological criteria. By focusing on the transition-phase, we identified 93 strictly amputation-associated genes many of which are implicated in oxidative-stress response, chromatin modification, epithelial development or limb development. We further classified the genes based on whether they were or were not significantly expressed in the developing limb bud. The specific localization of 53 selected candidates within the blastema was investigated by in situ hybridization. In summary, we identified a set of genes that are expressed specifically during regeneration and are therefore, likely candidates for the regulation of blastema formation. PMID:23658691

The effects of virtual reality-based bilateral arm training on hemiplegic children's upper limb motor skills.

PubMed

Do, Ji-Hye; Yoo, Eun-Young; Jung, Min-Ye; Park, Hae Yean

2016-01-01

Hemiplegic cerebral palsy is a neurological symptom appearing on the unilateral arm and leg of the body that causes affected upper/lower limb muscle weakening and dysesthesia and accompanies tetany and difficulties in postural control due to abnormal muscle tone, and difficulties in body coordination. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of virtual reality-based bilateral arm training on the motor skills of children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy, in terms of their upper limb motor skills on the affected side, as well as their bilateral coordination ability. The research subjects were three children who were diagnosed with hemiplegic cerebral palsy. The research followed an ABA design, which was a single-subject experimental design. The procedure consisted of a total of 20 sessions, including four during the baseline period (A1), 12 during the intervention period (B), and four during the baseline regression period (A2), For the independent variable bilateral arm training based on virtual reality, Nintendo Wii game was played for 30 minutes in each of the 12 sessions. For the dependent variables of upper limb motor skills on the affected side and bilateral coordination ability, a Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) was carried out for each session and the Pediatric Motor Activity Log (PMAL) was measured before and after the intervention, as well as after the baseline regression period. To test bilateral coordination ability, shooting baskets in basketball with both hands and moving large light boxes were carried out under operational definitions, with the number of shots and time needed to move boxes measured. The results were presented using visual graphs and bar graphs. The study's results indicated that after virtual reality-based bilateral arm training, improvement occurred in upper limb motor skills on the affected sides, and in bilateral coordination ability, for all of the research subjects. Measurements of the effects of sustained therapy after completion of the intervention, during the baseline regression period, revealed that upper limb motor skills on the affected side and bilateral coordination ability were better than in the baseline period for all subjects. This study confirmed that for children with hemiplegic with cerebral palsy, bilateral arm training based on virtual reality can be an effective intervention method for enhancing the upper limb motor skills on the affected side, as well as bilateral coordination ability.

Clinical applications of perforator-based propeller flaps in upper limb soft tissue reconstruction.

PubMed

Ono, Shimpei; Sebastin, Sandeep J; Yazaki, Naoya; Hyakusoku, Hiko; Chung, Kevin C

2011-05-01

A propeller flap is an island flap that moves from one orientation to another by rotating around its vascular axis. The vascular axis is stationary, and flap movement is achieved by revolving on this axis. Early propeller flaps relied on a thick, subcutaneous pedicle to maintain vascularity, and this limited the flap rotation to 90°. With increasing awareness of the location and the vascular territory perfused by cutaneous perforators, it is now possible to design propeller flaps based on a single perforator, so-called "perforator-based propeller flaps." These flaps permit flap rotation up to 180°. We present the results of upper limb soft tissue reconstruction using perforator-based propeller flaps. We constructed a treatment strategy based on the location of the soft tissue defect and the perforator anatomy for expedient wound coverage in 1 stage. All perforator-based propeller flaps derived from 3 institutions that were used for upper limb soft tissue reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. The parameters studied included the size and location of the defect, the perforator that was used, the size and shape of the flap, the direction (ie, clockwise or counter-clockwise) of flap rotation, the degree of twisting of the perforator, the management of the donor site (ie, linear closure or skin grafting), and flap survival (recorded as the percentage of the flap area that survived). Twelve perforator-based propeller flaps were used to reconstruct upper limb soft tissue defects in 12 patients. Six different perforators were used as vascular pedicles. The donor defects of 11 flaps could be closed primarily. One flap was partially lost in a patient with electrical burns. Perforator-based propeller flaps provide a reliable option for covering small- to medium-size upper limb soft tissue defects. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Realization of Intelligent Measurement and Control System for Limb Rehabilitation Based on PLC and Touch Screen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiangquan

According to the treatment needs of patients with limb movement disorder, on the basis of the limb rehabilitative training prototype, function of measure and control system are analyzed, design of system hardware and software is completed. The touch screen which is adopt as host computer and man-machine interaction window is responsible for sending commands and training information display; The PLC which is adopt as slave computer is responsible for receiving control command from touch screen, collecting the sensor data, regulating torque and speed of motor by analog output according to the different training mode, realizing ultimately active and passive training for limb rehabilitation therapy.

Design of a 6-DOF upper limb rehabilitation exoskeleton with parallel actuated joints.

PubMed

Chen, Yanyan; Li, Ge; Zhu, Yanhe; Zhao, Jie; Cai, Hegao

2014-01-01

In this paper, a 6-DOF wearable upper limb exoskeleton with parallel actuated joints which perfectly mimics human motions is proposed. The upper limb exoskeleton assists the movement of physically weak people. Compared with the existing upper limb exoskeletons which are mostly designed using a serial structure with large movement space but small stiffness and poor wearable ability, a prototype for motion assistance based on human anatomy structure has been developed in our design. Moreover, the design adopts balls instead of bearings to save space, which simplifies the structure and reduces the cost of the mechanism. The proposed design also employs deceleration processes to ensure that the transmission ratio of each joint is coincident.

William Porterfield (ca. 1696-1771) and his phantom limb: an overlooked first self-report by a man of medicine.

PubMed

Wade, Nicholas J; Finger, Stanley

2003-05-01

EARLY REPORTS OF phantom limbs by Ambroise Paré and René Descartes were based on second- or third-hand descriptions provided by amputees. William Porterfield (ca. 1696-1771) was a prominent Scottish physician and was possibly the first man of medicine to write about his experiences after having a leg amputated. Porterfield was an authority on vision; he devised the first optometer and examined accommodation after cataract operations. Rather than using the phenomenon of a phantom limb to question the veracity of the senses (as Descartes had done), Porterfield integrated his phantom limb experiences into his general account of sensory function.

External morphogenesis of the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini as revealed by scanning electron microscopy.

PubMed

Gross, Vladimir; Minich, Irene; Mayer, Georg

2017-04-01

Tardigrada, commonly called water bears, is a taxon of microscopic panarthropods with five-segmented bodies and four pairs of walking legs. Although tardigrades have been known to science for several centuries, questions remain regarding many aspects of their biology, such as embryogenesis. Herein, we used scanning electron microscopy to document the external changes that occur during embryonic development in the tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini (Eutardigrada, Parachela, Hypsibiidae). Our results show an accelerated development of external features, with approximately 30 hrs separating the point at which external structures first become recognizable and a fully formed embryo. All segments appear to arise simultaneously between ∼20 and 25 hrs of development, and no differences in the degree of development could be detected between the limb buds at any stage. Claws emerge shortly after the limb buds and are morphologically similar to those of adults. The origin of the claws is concurrent with that of the sclerotized parts of the mouth, suggesting that all cuticular structures arise simultaneously at ∼30 hrs. The mouth arises as an invagination in the terminal region of the head at ∼25 hrs, closes later in development, and opens again shortly before hatching. The anlagen of the peribuccal lobes arise as one dorsal and one ventral row, each consisting of three lobes, and later form a ring in the late embryo, whereas there is no indication of a labrum anlage at any point during development. Furthermore, we describe limited postembryonic development in the form of cuticular pores that are absent in juveniles but present in adults. This study represents the first scanning electron micrographs of tardigrade embryos, demonstrating the utility of this technique for studying embryogenesis in tardigrades. This work further adds an external morphological perspective to the developmental data already available for H. dujardini, facilitating future comparisons to related panarthropod taxa. J. Morphol. 278:563-573, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lymphoedema of the upper limb: a rare complication of thyroid surgery?

PubMed Central

Stephen, Christopher; Munnoch, David Alexander

2016-01-01

A 40-year-old woman underwent an elective thyroidectomy for a non-toxic, multinodular goitre. In the early postoperative period, the patient developed a significant unilateral swelling of the right upper limb, which was subsequently confirmed to be lymphoedema. This was eventually treated successfully using liposuction and compression garment therapies. We report the case due to its rarity and present a possible explanation for such an unexpected complication based on known anatomical variations of lymphatic drainage of the upper limb. PMID:27090542

Marker-based method to measure movement between the residual limb and a transtibial prosthetic socket.

PubMed

Childers, Walter Lee; Siebert, Steven

2016-12-01

Limb movement between the residuum and socket continues to be an underlying factor in limb health, prosthetic comfort, and gait performance yet techniques to measure this have been underdeveloped. Develop a method to measure motion between the residual limb and a transtibial prosthetic socket. Single subject, repeated measures with mathematical modeling. The gait of a participant with transtibial amputation was recorded using a motion capture system using a marker set that included arrays on the anterior distal tibia and the lateral epicondyle of the femur. The proximal or distal translation, anterior or posterior translation, and angular movements were quantified. A random Monte Carlo simulation based on the precision of the motion capture system and a model of the bone moving under the skin explored the technique's accuracy. Residual limb tissue stiffness was modeled as a linear spring based on data from Papaioannou et al. Residuum movement relative to the socket went through ~30 mm, 18 mm, and 15° range of motion. Root mean squared errors were 5.47 mm, 1.86 mm, and 0.75° when considering the modeled bone-skin movement in the proximal or distal, anterior or posterior, and angular directions, respectively. The measured movement was greater than the root mean squared error, indicating that this method can measure motion between the residuum and socket. The ability to quantify movement between the residual limb and the prosthetic socket will improve prosthetic treatment through the evaluation of different prosthetic suspensions, socket designs, and motor control of the prosthetic interface. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2015.

Prior nonhip limb fracture predicts subsequent hip fracture in institutionalized elderly people.

PubMed

Nakamura, K; Takahashi, S; Oyama, M; Oshiki, R; Kobayashi, R; Saito, T; Yoshizawa, Y; Tsuchiya, Y

2010-08-01

This 1-year cohort study of nursing home residents revealed that historical fractures of upper limbs or nonhip lower limbs were associated with hip fracture (hazard ratio = 2.14), independent of activities of daily living (ADL), mobility, dementia, weight, and type of nursing home. Prior nonhip fractures are useful for predicting of hip fracture in institutional settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of fracture history for the prediction of hip fracture in nursing home residents. This was a cohort study with a 1-year follow-up. Subjects were 8,905 residents of nursing homes in Niigata, Japan (mean age, 84.3 years). Fracture histories were obtained from nursing home medical records. ADL levels were assessed by caregivers. Hip fracture diagnosis was based on hospital medical records. Subjects had fracture histories of upper limbs (5.0%), hip (14.0%), and nonhip lower limbs (4.6%). Among historical single fractures, only prior nonhip lower limbs significantly predicted subsequent fracture (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.30-4.57). The stepwise method selected the best model, in which a combined historical fracture at upper limbs or nonhip lower limbs (adjusted hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.30-3.52), dependence, ADL levels, mobility, dementia, weight, and type of nursing home independently predicted subsequent hip fracture. A fracture history at upper or nonhip lower limbs, in combination with other known risk factors, is useful for the prediction of future hip fracture in institutional settings.

Horizontal Temperature Variability in the Stratosphere: Global Variations Inferred from CRISTA Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eidmann, G.; Offermann, D.; Jarisch, M.; Preusse, P.; Eckermann, S. D.; Schmidlin, F. J.

2001-01-01

In two separate orbital campaigns (November, 1994 and August, 1997), the Cryogenic Infrared Spectrometers and Telescopes for the Atmosphere (CRISTA) instrument acquired global stratospheric data of high accuracy and high spatial resolution. The standard limb-scanned CRISTA measurements resolved atmospheric spatial structures with vertical dimensions greater than or equal to 1.5 - 2 km and horizontal dimensions is greater than or equal to 100 - 200 km. A fluctuation analysis of horizontal temperature distributions derived from these data is presented. This method is somewhat complementary to conventional power-spectral analysis techniques.

A functional murine model of hindlimb demand ischemia.

PubMed

Peck, Michael A; Crawford, Robert S; Abularrage, Christopher J; Patel, Virendra I; Conrad, Mark F; Yoo, Jin Hyung; Watkins, Michael T; Albadawi, Hassan

2010-05-01

To date, murine models of treadmill exercise have been used to study general exercise physiology and angiogenesis in ischemic hindlimbs. The purpose of these experiments was to develop a murine model of demand ischemia in an ischemic limb to mimic claudication in humans. The primary goal was to determine whether treadmill exercise reflected a hemodynamic picture which might be consistent with the hyperemic response observed in humans. Aged hypercholesterolemic ApoE null mice (ApoE(-/-), n = 13) were subjected to femoral artery ligation (FAL) and allowed to recover from the acute ischemic response. Peripheral perfusion of the hindlimbs at rest was determined by serial evaluation using laser Doppler imaging (LDI) on days 0, 7, and 14 following FAL. During the experiments, mice were also assessed on an established five-point clinical ischemic score, which assessed the degree of digital amputation, necrosis, and cyanosis compared to the nonischemic contralateral limb. After stabilization of the LDI ratio (ischemic limb flux/contralateral nonischemic limb flux) and clinical ischemic score, mice underwent 2 days of treadmill training (10 min at 10 m/min, incline of 10 degrees ) followed by 60 min of daily treadmill exercise (13 m/min, incline of 10 degrees ) through day 25. An evaluation of preexercise and postexercise perfusion using LDI was performed on two separate occasions following the onset of daily exercise. During the immediate 15 min postexercise evaluation, LDI scanning was obtained in quadruplicate, to allow identification of peak flux ratios. Statistical analysis included unpaired t-tests and analysis of variance. After FAL, the LDI flux ratio reached a nadir between days 1 and 2, then stabilized by day 14 and remained stable through day 25. The clinical ischemic score stabilized at day 7 and remained stable throughout the rest of the experiment. Based on stabilization of both the clinical ischemic score and LDI ratio, exercise training began on day 15. The peak 15 min postexercise LDI ratio increased significantly compared to the preexercise ratio on day 17 (0.48 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.34 +/- 0.04, p < 0.05) and day 25 (0.37 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.27 +/- 0.03, p < 0.01). Within 2 hr of exercise, the LDI ratio returned to preexercise levels on both days 17 and 25. Clinical and hemodynamic stabilization of limb perfusion is evident by 14 days after FAL. FAL followed by demand ischemia results in a reversible relative hyperemic response similar to that observed in exercising human claudicants. A murine model of FAL associated with demand ischemia may be useful to evaluate the metabolic, inflammatory, and flow-related changes associated with claudication in humans. Copyright 2010 Annals of Vascular Surgery Inc. All rights reserved.

Development of esMOCA Biomechanic, Motion Capture Instrumentation for Biomechanics Analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arendra, A.; Akhmad, S.

2018-01-01

This study aims to build motion capture instruments using inertial measurement unit sensors to assist in the analysis of biomechanics. Sensors used are accelerometer and gyroscope. Estimation of orientation sensors is done by digital motion processing in each sensor nodes. There are nine sensor nodes attached to the upper limbs. This sensor is connected to the pc via a wireless sensor network. The development of kinematics and inverse dynamamic models of the upper limb is done in simulink simmechanic. The kinematic model receives streaming data of sensor nodes mounted on the limbs. The output of the kinematic model is the pose of each limbs and visualized on display. The dynamic inverse model outputs the reaction force and reaction moment of each joint based on the limb motion input. Model validation in simulink with mathematical model of mechanical analysis showed results that did not differ significantly

The innocent bystander. Doxylamine/dicyclomine/pyridoxine and congenital limb defects.

PubMed

McCredie, J; Kricker, A; Elliott, J; Forrest, J

1984-04-28

The antinausea drug combination, doxylamine/dicyclomine/pyridoxine (Debendox or Bendectin [US] ), has been withdrawn from the market because of litigation based upon charges that it causes congenital limb defects. To investigate this allegation, the pregnancy histories of mothers of 155 limb-deficient children, born between 1970 and 1981, have been compared with those of mothers of 273 matched normal controls. There was no significant difference between the pregnancy histories of mothers of case children and those of mothers of control children in respect of reported frequency of morning sickness, the use of doxylamine/dicyclomine/pyridoxine, the date of commencement of its intake, the duration of intake, or its dose. The relative risk of limb deficiency in children of mothers exposed to this drug is estimated to be 1.1 with confidence limits of 0.8-1.5. No risk of congenital limb defects was found to be associated with the use of this drug.

Reflections on the present and future of upper limb prostheses.

PubMed

Farina, Dario; Amsüss, Sebastian

2016-01-01

Despite progress in research and media attention on active upper limb prostheses, presently the most common commercial upper limb prosthetic devices are not fundamentally different from solutions offered almost one century ago. Limited information transfer for both control and sensory-motor integration and challenges in socket technology have been major obstacles. By analysing the present state-of-the-art and academic achievements, we provide our opinion on the future of upper limb prostheses. We believe that surgical procedures for muscle reinnervation and osseointegration will become increasingly clinically relevant; muscle electrical signals will remain the main clinical means for prosthetic control; and chronic electrode implants, first in muscles (control), then in nerves (sensory feedback), will become viable clinical solutions. After decades of suspended clinically relevant progress, it is foreseeable that a new generation of upper limb prostheses will enter the market in the near future based on such advances, thereby offering substantial clinical benefit for patients.

Accurate human limb angle measurement: sensor fusion through Kalman, least mean squares and recursive least-squares adaptive filtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olivares, A.; Górriz, J. M.; Ramírez, J.; Olivares, G.

2011-02-01

Inertial sensors are widely used in human body motion monitoring systems since they permit us to determine the position of the subject's limbs. Limb angle measurement is carried out through the integration of the angular velocity measured by a rate sensor and the decomposition of the components of static gravity acceleration measured by an accelerometer. Different factors derived from the sensors' nature, such as the angle random walk and dynamic bias, lead to erroneous measurements. Dynamic bias effects can be reduced through the use of adaptive filtering based on sensor fusion concepts. Most existing published works use a Kalman filtering sensor fusion approach. Our aim is to perform a comparative study among different adaptive filters. Several least mean squares (LMS), recursive least squares (RLS) and Kalman filtering variations are tested for the purpose of finding the best method leading to a more accurate and robust limb angle measurement. A new angle wander compensation sensor fusion approach based on LMS and RLS filters has been developed.

Non-invasive assessment of peripheral arterial disease: Automated ankle brachial index measurement and pulse volume analysis compared to duplex scan.

PubMed

Lewis, Jane Ea; Williams, Paul; Davies, Jane H

2016-01-01

This cross-sectional study aimed to individually and cumulatively compare sensitivity and specificity of the (1) ankle brachial index and (2) pulse volume waveform analysis recorded by the same automated device, with the presence or absence of peripheral arterial disease being verified by ultrasound duplex scan. Patients (n=205) referred for lower limb arterial assessment underwent ankle brachial index measurement and pulse volume waveform recording using volume plethysmography, followed by ultrasound duplex scan. The presence of peripheral arterial disease was recorded if ankle brachial index <0.9; pulse volume waveform was graded as 2, 3 or 4; or if haemodynamically significant stenosis >50% was evident with ultrasound duplex scan. Outcome measure was agreement between the measured ankle brachial index and interpretation of pulse volume waveform for peripheral arterial disease diagnosis, using ultrasound duplex scan as the reference standard. Sensitivity of ankle brachial index was 79%, specificity 91% and overall accuracy 88%. Pulse volume waveform sensitivity was 97%, specificity 81% and overall accuracy 85%. The combined sensitivity of ankle brachial index and pulse volume waveform was 100%, specificity 76% and overall accuracy 85%. Combining these two diagnostic modalities within one device provided a highly accurate method of ruling out peripheral arterial disease, which could be utilised in primary care to safely reduce unnecessary secondary care referrals.

Therapeutic potential of pro-angiogenic BPC157 is associated with VEGFR2 activation and up-regulation.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ming-Jer; Liu, Hsien-Ta; Wang, Chao-Nin; Huang, Hsiu-Yun; Lin, Yuling; Ko, Yu-Shien; Wang, Jong-Shyan; Chang, Vincent Hung-Shu; Pang, Jong-Hwei S

2017-03-01

BPC 157, a pentadecapeptide with extensive healing effects, has recently been suggested to contribute to angiogenesis. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet clear. The present study aimed to explore the potential therapeutic effect and pro-angiogenic mechanism of BPC 157. As demonstrated by the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay and endothelial tube formation assay, BPC 157 could increase the vessel density both in vivo and in vitro, respectively. BPC 157 could also accelerate the recovery of blood flow in the ischemic muscle of the rat hind limb as detected by laser Doppler scanning, indicating the promotion of angiogenesis. Histological analysis of the hind limb muscle confirmed the increased number of vessels and the enhanced vascular expression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in rat with BPC 157 treatment. In vitro study using human vascular endothelial cells further confirmed the increased mRNA and protein expressions of VEGFR2 but not VEGF-A by BPC 157. In addition, BPC 157 could promote VEGFR2 internalization in vascular endothelial cells which was blocked in the presence of dynasore, an inhibitor of endocytosis. BPC 157 time dependently activated the VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway which could also be suppressed by dynasore. The increase of endothelial tube formation induced by BPC 157 was also inhibited by dynasore. This study demonstrates the pro-angiogenic effects of BPC 157 that is associated with the increased expression, internalization of VEGFR2, and the activation of VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. BPC 157 promotes angiogenesis in CAM assay and tube formation assay. BPC 157 accelerates the blood flow recovery and vessel number in rats with hind limb ischemia. BPC 157 up-regulates VEGFR2 expression in rats with hind limb ischemia and endothelial cell culture. BPC 157 promotes VEGFR2 internalization in association with VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS activation. BPC 157 promotes angiogenesis in CAM assay and tube formation assay. BPC 157 accelerates the blood flow recovery and vessel number in rats with hind limb ischemia. BPC 157 up-regulates VEGFR2 expression in rats with hind limb ischemia and endothelial cell culture. BPC 157 promotes VEGFR2 internalization in association with VEGFR2-Akt-eNOS activation.

Ultrasonographic anatomy of the dorsal and abaxial aspects of the equine fetlock.

PubMed

Denoix, J M; Jacot, S; Bousseau, B; Perrot, P

1996-01-01

This paper describes normal ultrasound images of the soft tissues of the dorsal and abaxial aspects of the equine fetlock. The palmar aspect of the fetlock is not discussed because it is related to the suspensory apparatus and flexor tendon anatomy which has been previously described. Ultrasound scanning was performed with 7.5 MHz linear or 10 MHz sector probes and recorded on 7.5 cm U-matic videocassettes allowing further retrospective data analysis, computer manipulation and good image reproducibility. Sagittal, parasagittal, frontal and transverse ultrasound scans of 13 lameness free mature horses were compared to anatomically dissected leg specimens, anatomical sections and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans of isolated limbs. The results are focused on the comparison between anatomical sections and ultrasonograms performed on the legs of nonlame horses. Ultrasonography was demonstrated to be a very accurate imaging procedure for soft tissue structures at the dorsal and abaxial aspects of the equine fetlock. Under clinical conditions, a thorough knowledge of normal ultrasonographic anatomy is critical for an accurate diagnosis of fetlock soft tissue injury.

Navigation system for robot-assisted intra-articular lower-limb fracture surgery.

PubMed

Dagnino, Giulio; Georgilas, Ioannis; Köhler, Paul; Morad, Samir; Atkins, Roger; Dogramadzi, Sanja

2016-10-01

In the surgical treatment for lower-leg intra-articular fractures, the fragments have to be positioned and aligned to reconstruct the fractured bone as precisely as possible, to allow the joint to function correctly again. Standard procedures use 2D radiographs to estimate the desired reduction position of bone fragments. However, optimal correction in a 3D space requires 3D imaging. This paper introduces a new navigation system that uses pre-operative planning based on 3D CT data and intra-operative 3D guidance to virtually reduce lower-limb intra-articular fractures. Physical reduction in the fractures is then performed by our robotic system based on the virtual reduction. 3D models of bone fragments are segmented from CT scan. Fragments are pre-operatively visualized on the screen and virtually manipulated by the surgeon through a dedicated GUI to achieve the virtual reduction in the fracture. Intra-operatively, the actual position of the bone fragments is provided by an optical tracker enabling real-time 3D guidance. The motion commands for the robot connected to the bone fragment are generated, and the fracture physically reduced based on the surgeon's virtual reduction. To test the system, four femur models were fractured to obtain four different distal femur fracture types. Each one of them was subsequently reduced 20 times by a surgeon using our system. The navigation system allowed an orthopaedic surgeon to virtually reduce the fracture with a maximum residual positioning error of [Formula: see text] (translational) and [Formula: see text] (rotational). Correspondent physical reductions resulted in an accuracy of 1.03 ± 0.2 mm and [Formula: see text], when the robot reduced the fracture. Experimental outcome demonstrates the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed navigation system, presenting a fracture reduction accuracy of about 1 mm and [Formula: see text], and meeting the clinical requirements for distal femur fracture reduction procedures.

Air pollution and limb defects: a matched-pairs case-control study in Taiwan.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Ting; Lee, Yungling Leo; Jung, Chau-Ren; Jaakkola, Jouni J K; Hwang, Bing-Fang

2014-07-01

Air pollution influences the development of limb defects in animals. There is little epidemiologic evidence on the effect of prenatal air pollution exposure on the risk of limb defects. To assess the relations between exposure to ambient air pollutants and the risk of limb defects. We conducted a matched-pairs case-control study in Taiwan from 2001 through 2007. The case group consisted of 1687 limb defects and the control group was density-sampling matched one to ten based on the month and year of conception from 1510,064 live singleton newborns in 2001-2007. Adjusted conditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios per 10 ppb change for O3, NO2, 1 ppb change for SO2, 10 µg/m(3) change for PM10, and 100 ppb change for CO during the first trimester and first three gestational months. Of the specific limb defects, reduction deformities of limbs (adjusted OR=1.024, 95% CI: 1.000, 1.048) was associated with a 1 ppb increase in SO2 during weeks of 9-12 of gestation as well as the first trimester. Reduction deformities of limbs was also associated with a 10 ppb increase in O3 during weeks of 1-4 of gestation (adjusted OR=1.391, 95% CI: 1.064, 1.818) among preterm births. The present study provides evidence that exposure to outdoor air SO2 during the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of limb defects. Exposure to O3 was associated with reduction deformities of limbs among preterm births. Similar levels of SO2 and O3 are encountered globally by large numbers of pregnant women. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Update and validation of the Society for Vascular Surgery wound, ischemia, and foot infection threatened limb classification system.

PubMed

Mills, Joseph L

2014-03-01

The diagnosis of critical limb ischemia, first defined in 1982, was intended to delineate a patient cohort with a threatened limb and at risk for amputation due to severe peripheral arterial disease. The influence of diabetes and its associated neuropathy on the pathogenesis-threatened limb was an excluded comorbidity, despite its known contribution to amputation risk. The Fontaine and Rutherford classifications of limb ischemia severity have also been used to predict amputation risk and the likelihood of tissue healing. The dramatic increase in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the expanding techniques of arterial revascularization has prompted modification of peripheral arterial disease classification schemes to improve outcomes analysis for patients with threatened limbs. The diabetic patient with foot ulceration and infection is at risk for limb loss, with abnormal arterial perfusion as only one determinant of outcome. The wound extent and severity of infection also impact the likelihood of limb loss. To better predict amputation risk, the Society for Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Guidelines Committee developed a classification of the threatened lower extremity that reflects these important clinical considerations. Risk stratification is based on three major factors that impact amputation risk and clinical management: wound, ischemia, and foot infection. This classification scheme is relevant to the patient with critical limb ischemia because many are also diabetic. Implementation of the wound, ischemia, and foot infection classification system in critical limb ischemia patients is recommended and should assist the clinician in more meaningful analysis of outcomes for various forms of wound and arterial revascularizations procedures required in this challenging, patient population. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Running stability is enhanced by a proximo-distal gradient in joint neuromechanical control.

PubMed

Daley, M A; Felix, G; Biewener, A A

2007-02-01

We currently know little about how animals achieve dynamic stability when running over uneven and unpredictable terrain, often characteristic of their natural environment. Here we investigate how limb and joint mechanics of an avian biped, the helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris, respond to an unexpected drop in terrain during running. In particular, we address how joint mechanics are coordinated to achieve whole limb dynamics. Based on muscle-tendon architecture and previous studies of steady and incline locomotion, we hypothesize a proximo-distal gradient in joint neuromechanical control. In this motor control strategy, (1) proximal muscles at the hip and knee joints are controlled primarily in a feedforward manner and exhibit load-insensitive mechanical performance, and (2) distal muscles at the ankle and tarsometatarso-phalangeal (TMP) joints are highly load-sensitive, due to intrinsic mechanical effects and rapid, higher gain proprioceptive feedback. Limb kinematics and kinetics during the unexpected perturbation reveal that limb retraction, controlled largely by the hip, remains similar to level running throughout the perturbed step, despite altered limb loading. Individual joints produce or absorb energy during both level and perturbed running steps, such that the net limb work depends on the balance of energy among the joints. The hip maintains the same mechanical role regardless of limb loading, whereas the ankle and TMP switch between spring-like or damping function depending on limb posture at ground contact. Initial knee angle sets limb posture and alters the balance of work among the joints, although the knee contributes little work itself. This distribution of joint function results in posture-dependent changes in work performance of the limb, which allow guinea fowl to rapidly produce or absorb energy in response to the perturbation. The results support the hypothesis that a proximo-distal gradient exists in limb neuromuscular performance and motor control. This control strategy allows limb cycling to remain constant, whereas limb posture, loading and energy performance are interdependent. We propose that this control strategy provides simple, rapid mechanisms for managing energy and controlling velocity when running over rough terrain.

Running stability is enhanced by a proximo-distal gradient in joint neuromechanical control

PubMed Central

Daley, M. A.; Felix, G.; Biewener, A. A.

2008-01-01

Summary We currently know little about how animals achieve dynamic stability when running over uneven and unpredictable terrain, often characteristic of their natural environment. Here we investigate how limb and joint mechanics of an avian biped, the helmeted guinea fowl Numida meleagris, respond to an unexpected drop in terrain during running. In particular, we address how joint mechanics are coordinated to achieve whole limb dynamics. Based on muscle–tendon architecture and previous studies of steady and incline locomotion, we hypothesize a proximo-distal gradient in joint neuromechanical control. In this motor control strategy, (1) proximal muscles at the hip and knee joints are controlled primarily in a feedforward manner and exhibit load-insensitive mechanical performance, and (2) distal muscles at the ankle and tarsometatarso-phalangeal (TMP) joints are highly load-sensitive, due to intrinsic mechanical effects and rapid, higher gain proprioceptive feedback. Limb kinematics and kinetics during the unexpected perturbation reveal that limb retraction, controlled largely by the hip, remains similar to level running throughout the perturbed step, despite altered limb loading. Individual joints produce or absorb energy during both level and perturbed running steps, such that the net limb work depends on the balance of energy among the joints. The hip maintains the same mechanical role regardless of limb loading, whereas the ankle and TMP switch between spring-like or damping function depending on limb posture at ground contact. Initial knee angle sets limb posture and alters the balance of work among the joints, although the knee contributes little work itself. This distribution of joint function results in posture-dependent changes in work performance of the limb, which allow guinea fowl to rapidly produce or absorb energy in response to the perturbation. The results support the hypothesis that a proximo-distal gradient exists in limb neuromuscular performance and motor control. This control strategy allows limb cycling to remain constant, whereas limb posture, loading and energy performance are interdependent. We propose that this control strategy provides simple, rapid mechanisms for managing energy and controlling velocity when running over rough terrain. PMID:17234607

Evolution of motor innervation to vertebrate fins and limbs.

PubMed

Murakami, Yasunori; Tanaka, Mikiko

2011-07-01

The evolution and diversification of vertebrate behaviors associated with locomotion depend highly on the functional transformation of paired appendages. Although the evolution of fins into limbs has long been a focus of interest to scientists, the evolution of neural control during this transition has not received much attention. Recent studies have provided significant progress in the understanding of the genetic and developmental bases of the evolution of fin/limb motor circuitry in vertebrates. Here we compare the organization of the motor neurons in the spinal cord of various vertebrates. We also discuss recent advances in our understanding of these events and how they can provide a mechanistic explanation for the evolution of fin/limb motor circuitry in vertebrates. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lower extremity sagittal joint moment production during split-belt treadmill walking

PubMed Central

Roemmich, Ryan T.; Stegemöller, Elizabeth L.; Hass, Chris J.

2012-01-01

The split-belt treadmill (SBT) has recently been used to rehabilitate locomotor asymmetries in clinical populations. However, the joint mechanics produced while walking on a SBT are not well-understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lower extremity sagittal joint moments produced by each limb during SBT walking and provide insight as to how these joint moment patterns may be useful in rehabilitating unilateral gait deficits. Thirteen healthy young volunteers walked on the SBT with the belts tied and in a “SPLIT” session in which one belt moved twice as fast as the other. Sagittal lower extremity joint moment and ground reaction force impulses were then calculated over the braking and propulsive phases of the gait cycle. Paired t-tests were performed to analyze magnitude differences between conditions (i.e. the fast and slow limbs during SPLIT vs. the same limb during tied-belt walking) and between the fast and slow limbs during SPLIT. During the SPLIT session, the fast limb produced higher ground reaction force and ankle moment impulses during the propulsive and braking phases, and lower knee moment impulses during the propulsive phase when compared to the slow limb. The knee moment impulse was also significantly higher during braking in the slow limb than in the fast limb. The mechanics of each limb during the SPLIT session also differed from the mechanics observed when the belt speeds were tied. Based on these findings, we suggest that each belt may have intrinsic value in rehabilitating specific unilateral locomotor deficits. PMID:22985473

ATHLETE: Lunar Cargo Unloading from a High Deck

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Brian H.

2010-01-01

As part of the NASA Exploration Technology Development Program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a vehicle called ATHLETE: the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer. Each vehicle is based on six wheels at the ends of six multi-degree-of freedom limbs. Because each limb has enough degrees of freedom for use as a general-purpose leg, the wheels can be locked and used as feet to walk out of excessively soft or other extreme terrain. Since the vehicle has this alternative mode of traversing through or at least out of extreme terrain, the wheels and wheel actuators can be sized for nominal terrain. There are substantial mass savings in the wheel and wheel actuators associated with designing for nominal instead of extreme terrain. These mass savings are at least comparable-to or larger-than the extra mass associated with the articulated limbs. As a result, the entire mobility system, including wheels and limbs, can be lighter than a conventional all-terrain mobility chassis. A side benefit of this approach is that each limb has sufficient degrees-of freedom to be used as a general-purpose manipulator (hence the name "limb" instead of "leg"). Our prototype ATHLETE vehicles have quick-disconnect tool adapters on the limbs that allow tools to be drawn out of a "tool belt" and maneuvered by the limb. A power-take-off from the wheel actuates the tools, so that they can take advantage of the 1+ horsepower motor in each wheel to enable drilling, gripping or other power-tool functions.

ATHLETE: a Cargo and Habitat Transporter for the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, Brian H.

2009-01-01

As part of the NASA Exploration Technology Development Program, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory is developing a vehicle called ATHLETE: the All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer. The vehicle concept is based on six wheels at the ends of six multi-degree-of-freedom limbs. Because each limb has enough degrees of freedom for use as a general-purpose leg, the wheels can be locked and used as feet to walk out of excessively soft or other extreme terrain. Since the vehicle has this alternative mode of traversing through (or at least out of) extreme terrain, the wheels and wheel actuators can be sized only for nominal terrain. There are substantial mass savings in the wheels and wheel actuators associated with designing for nominal instead of extreme terrain. These mass savings are comparable-to or larger-than the extra mass associated with the articulated limbs. As a result, the entire mobility system, including wheels and limbs, can be about 25 percent lighter than a conventional mobility chassis for planetary exploration. A side benefit of this approach is that each limb has sufficient degrees-of-freedom for use as a general-purpose manipulator (hence the name "limb" instead of "leg"). Our prototype ATHLETE vehicles have quick-disconnect tool adapters on the limbs that allow tools to be drawn out of a "tool belt" and maneuvered by the limb. A rotating power-take-off from the wheel actuates the tools, so that they can take advantage of the 1-plus-horsepower motor in each wheel to enable drilling, gripping or other power-tool functions.

Emergence of Virtual Reality as a Tool for Upper Limb Rehabilitation: Incorporation of Motor Control and Motor Learning Principles

PubMed Central

Weiss, Patrice L.; Keshner, Emily A.

2015-01-01

The primary focus of rehabilitation for individuals with loss of upper limb movement as a result of acquired brain injury is the relearning of specific motor skills and daily tasks. This relearning is essential because the loss of upper limb movement often results in a reduced quality of life. Although rehabilitation strives to take advantage of neuroplastic processes during recovery, results of traditional approaches to upper limb rehabilitation have not entirely met this goal. In contrast, enriched training tasks, simulated with a wide range of low- to high-end virtual reality–based simulations, can be used to provide meaningful, repetitive practice together with salient feedback, thereby maximizing neuroplastic processes via motor learning and motor recovery. Such enriched virtual environments have the potential to optimize motor learning by manipulating practice conditions that explicitly engage motivational, cognitive, motor control, and sensory feedback–based learning mechanisms. The objectives of this article are to review motor control and motor learning principles, to discuss how they can be exploited by virtual reality training environments, and to provide evidence concerning current applications for upper limb motor recovery. The limitations of the current technologies with respect to their effectiveness and transfer of learning to daily life tasks also are discussed. PMID:25212522

Voyager 2 Saturn encounter attitude and articulation control experience

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hill, M.

1982-01-01

A description is given of the Voyager Attitude and Articulation Control System (AACS). The complex series of maneuvers required for Voyager 2 during the near encounter period to obtain fields and particle data, track the limb of Saturn during the earth occultation period, and reflect the RF beam off the Saturnian ring system are discussed. It is noted that some of these maneuvers involved rotating the spacecraft simultaneously about multiple axes while maintaining accurate pointing of the scan platform, a first for interplanetary missions. Also described are two anomalies experienced by the AACS during the near encounter period. The first was the significant roll attitude error that occurred shortly after all axis inertial control and that continued to grow until celestial reacquisition. The second was that the scan platform slewing in the azimuth axis stopped midway through the near encounter. These anomalies are analyzed, and their effect on future missions is assessed.

A bioinformatics expert system linking functional data to anatomical outcomes in limb regeneration

PubMed Central

Lobo, Daniel; Feldman, Erica B.; Shah, Michelle; Malone, Taylor J.

2014-01-01

Abstract Amphibians and molting arthropods have the remarkable capacity to regenerate amputated limbs, as described by an extensive literature of experimental cuts, amputations, grafts, and molecular techniques. Despite a rich history of experimental effort, no comprehensive mechanistic model exists that can account for the pattern regulation observed in these experiments. While bioinformatics algorithms have revolutionized the study of signaling pathways, no such tools have heretofore been available to assist scientists in formulating testable models of large‐scale morphogenesis that match published data in the limb regeneration field. Major barriers to preventing an algorithmic approach are the lack of formal descriptions for experimental regenerative information and a repository to centralize storage and mining of functional data on limb regeneration. Establishing a new bioinformatics of shape would significantly accelerate the discovery of key insights into the mechanisms that implement complex regeneration. Here, we describe a novel mathematical ontology for limb regeneration to unambiguously encode phenotype, manipulation, and experiment data. Based on this formalism, we present the first centralized formal database of published limb regeneration experiments together with a user‐friendly expert system tool to facilitate its access and mining. These resources are freely available for the community and will assist both human biologists and artificial intelligence systems to discover testable, mechanistic models of limb regeneration. PMID:25729585

Growth factors FGF8 and FGF2 and their receptor FGFR1, transcriptional factors Msx-1 and MSX-2, and apoptotic factors p19 and RIP5 participate in the early human limb development.

PubMed

Becic, Tina; Kero, Darko; Vukojevic, Katarina; Mardesic, Snjezana; Saraga-Babic, Mirna

2018-04-01

The expression pattern of fibroblast growth factors FGF8 and FGF2 and their receptor FGFR1, transcription factors MSX-1 and MSX-2, as well as cell proliferation (Ki-67) and cell death associated caspase-3, p19 and RIP5 factors were analyzed in histological sections of eight 4th-9th-weeks developing human limbs by immunohistochemistry and semi-thin sectioning. Increasing expression of all analyzed factors (except FGF8) characterized both the multilayered human apical ectodermal ridge (AER), sub-ridge mesenchyme (progress zone) and chondrocytes in developing human limbs. While cytoplasmic co-expression of MSX-1 and MSX-2 was observed in both limb epithelium and mesenchyme, p19 displayed strong cytoplasmic expression in non-proliferating cells. Nuclear expression of Ki-67 proliferating cells, and partly of MSX-1 and MSX-2 was detected in the whole limb primordium. Strong expression of factors p19 and RIP5, both in the AER and mesenchyme of human developing limbs indicates their possible involvement in control of cell senescence and cell death. In contrast to animal studies, expression of FGFR1 in the surface ectoderm and p19 in the whole limb primordium might reflect interspecies differences in limb morphology. Expression of FGF2 and downstream RIP5 gene, and transcription factors Msx-1 and MSX-2 did not show human-specific changes in expression pattern. Based on their spatio-temporal expression during human limb development, our study indicates role of FGFs and Msx genes in stimulation of cell proliferation, limb outgrowth, digit elongation and separation, and additionally MSX-2 in control of vasculogenesis. The cascade of orchestrated gene expressions, including the analyzed developmental factors, jointly contribute to the complex human limb development. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

LTE modeling of inhomogeneous chromospheric structure using high-resolution limb observations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lindsey, C.

1987-01-01

The paper discusses considerations relevant to LTE modeling of rough atmospheres. Particular attention is given to the application of recent high-resolution observations of the solar limb in the far-infrared and radio continuum to the modeling of chromospheric spicules. It is explained how the continuum limb observations can be combined with morphological knowledge of spicule structure to model the physical conditions in chromospheric spicules. This discussion forms the basis for a chromospheric model presented in a parallel publication based on observations ranging from 100 microns to 2.6 mm.

Deciphering skeletal patterning: clues from the limb.

PubMed

Mariani, Francesca V; Martin, Gail R

2003-05-15

Even young children can distinguish a Tyrannosaurus rex from a Brontosaurus by observing differences in bone size, shape, number and arrangement, that is, skeletal pattern. But despite our extensive knowledge about cartilage and bone formation per se, it is still largely a mystery how skeletal pattern is established. Much of what we do know has been learned from studying limb development in chicken and mouse embryos. Based on the data from such studies, models for how limb skeletal pattern is established have been proposed and continue to be hotly debated.

Establishing national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) for computed tomography in Egypt.

PubMed

Salama, Dina Husseiny; Vassileva, Jenia; Mahdaly, Gamal; Shawki, Mona; Salama, Ahmad; Gilley, Debbie; Rehani, Madan Mohan

2017-07-01

To establish national diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in Egypt for computed tomography (CT) examinations of adults and identify the potential for optimization. Data from 3762 individual patient's undergoing CT scans of head, chest (high resolution), abdomen, abdomen-pelvis, chest-abdomen-pelvis and CT angiography (aorta and both lower limbs) examinations in 50 CT facilities were collected. This represents 20% of facilities in the country and all of the 27 Governorates. Results were compared with DRLs of UK, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and France. The Egyptian DRLs for CTDI vol in mGy are for head: 30, chest (high resolution): 22, abdomen (liver metastasis): 31, abdomen-pelvis: 31, chest-abdomen-pelvis: 33 and CT angiography (aorta and lower limbs): 37. The corresponding DRLs for DLP in mGy.cm are 1360, 420, 1425, 1325, 1320 and 1320. For head CT, the Egyptian DRL for CTDI vol is 2-3 times lower than the DRLs from other countries. However, the DRL in terms of DLP is in the same range or higher as compared to others. The Egyptian DRL for chest CT (high resolution) is similar to others for DLP but higher for CTDI vol . For abdomen and abdomen-pelvis DRLs for CTDI vol are higher than others. For DLP, the DRLs for abdomen are higher than DRL in UK and lower than those in Japan, while for abdomen-pelvis they are higher than other countries. Despite lower DRLs for CTDI vol , an important consistent problem appears to be higher scan range as DRLs for DLP are higher. Copyright © 2017 Associazione Italiana di Fisica Medica. All rights reserved.

[Revision of Schatzker type Ⅵ tibial plateau fracture failure focus on the recovery of lower limb alignment].

PubMed

Cong, R J; Liu, J F; Jiang, Y; Dilixiati, Duolikun; Hou, X D; Zheng, L P

2018-03-01

Objective: To explore the influence of the lower extremity abnormal alignment and the joint surface, and to explore the surgical skills. Methods: Twenty-two cases of tibial plateau Schatzker Ⅵ fracture internal fixation failure revision from January 2012 to January 2017 in Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai 10(th) Hospital.One year follow-up after initial surgery to make sure of failure.Three-dimensional CT scan, radiography, infection index, gait analysis, knee joint ROM, femur tibia angle, tibial plateau tibial shaft angle and posterior slope if tibial plateau were observed. The medial approach and bi-planer osteotoma were used.Autogenous iliac bone graft, postoperative fast recovery channel were used.Follow-up point included preoperative and postoperative 7 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months.Obvervational index included double lower limbs radiography, knee society score(KSS), complications such as infection, skin necrosis, joint main passive activity, double lower limbs alignment the last follow-up SF-36 scale.Rate was compared by χ(2) test, measurement data using paired sample t test.Correlation was analyzed by Pearson correlation regression testing. Results: Twenty-two patients received follow-up.KSS, more than 21 cases were benign, with good gait.One case was poor, with claudication gait.Not skin necrosis, no deep infection cases, 1 case get blisters 2 days postoperatively, and disappear after 5 days with detumescence and cold therapy.Whether restoring force line affect the KSS significantly(χ(2)=22.000, P =0.000). Knee joint ROM, SF-36 score, KSS and lower limb alignment were improved significantly. In different individual the articular surface and anatomical angle recovered greatly but the posterior slope angle was quite difference which has no correlation with KSS and SF-36 scale( P >0.01). Conclusions: Revision of Schatzker type Ⅵ tibial plateau fracture failure should focus on the recovery of lower limb alignment.moderate overcorrect bone cutting and joint surface height can bring benefits to the postoperative knee function.Revision surgery patients have greater psychological pressure, more early psychological intervention is necessary.

Combining levodopa and virtual reality-based therapy for rehabilitation of the upper limb after acute stroke: pilot study Part II

PubMed Central

Samuel, Geoffrey Sithamparapillai; Oey, Nicodemus Edrick; Choo, Min; Ju, Han; Chan, Wai Yin; Kok, Stanley; Ge, Yu; Dongen, Antonius M Van; Ng, Yee Sien

2017-01-01

INTRODUCTION This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combination of levodopa and virtual reality (VR)-based therapy for the enhancement of upper limb recovery following acute stroke. METHODS This was a pilot single-blinded case series of acute stroke patients with upper extremity hemiparesis. Patients were randomised to standard care with concomitant administration of either levodopa alone (control group) or combination therapy consisting of VR-based motivational visuomotor feedback training with levodopa neuromodulation (VR group). Main clinical outcome measures were the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) assessment and Action Research Arm Test (ARAT). Kinematic measurements of affected upper limb movement were evaluated as a secondary measure of improvement. RESULTS Of 42 patients screened, four patients were enrolled in each of the two groups. Two patients dropped out from the control group during the trial. Patients receiving combination therapy had clinically significant improvements in FM-UE assessment scores of 16.5 points compared to a 3.0-point improvement among control patients. Similarly, ARAT scores of VR group patients improved by 15.3 points compared to a 10.0-point improvement in the control group. Corresponding improvements were noted in kinematic measures, including hand-path ratio, demonstrating that the quality of upper limb movement improved in the VR group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that VR-based therapy and pharmacotherapy may be combined for acute stroke rehabilitation. Bedside acquisition of kinematic measurements allows accurate assessment of the quality of limb movement, offering a sensitive clinical tool for quantifying motor recovery during the rehabilitation process after acute stroke. PMID:27311739

Comparing Prognostic Strength of Acute Corticospinal Tract Injury Measured by a New Diffusion Tensor Imaging Based Template Approach Versus Common Approaches

PubMed Central

Hirai, Kelsi K.; Groisser, Benjamin N.; Copen, William A.; Singhal, Aneesh B.; Schaechter, Judith D.

2015-01-01

Background Long-term motor outcome of acute stroke patients with severe motor impairment is difficult to predict. While measure of corticospinal tract (CST) injury based on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in subacute stroke patients strongly predicts motor outcome, its predictive value in acute stroke patients is unclear. Using a new DTI-based, density-weighted CST template approach, we demonstrated recently that CST injury measured in acute stroke patients with moderately-severe to severe motor impairment of the upper limb strongly predicts motor outcome of the limb at 6 months. New Method The current study compared the prognostic strength of CST injury measured in 10 acute stroke patients with moderately-severe to severe motor impairment of the upper limb by the new density-weighted CST template approach versus several variants of commonly used DTI-based approaches. Results and Comparison with Existing Methods Use of the density-weighted CST template approach yielded measurements of acute CST injury that correlated most strongly, in absolute magnitude, with 6-month upper limb strength (rs = 0.93), grip (rs = 0.94) and dexterity (rs = 0.89) compared to all other 11 approaches. Formal statistical comparison of correlation coefficients revealed that acute CST injury measured by the density-weighted CST template approach correlated significantly more strongly with 6-month upper limb strength, grip and dexterity than 9, 10 and 6 of the 11 alternative measurements, respectively. Conclusions Measurements of CST injury in acute stroke patients with substantial motor impairment by the density-weighted CST template approach may have clinical utility for anticipating healthcare needs and improving clinical trial design. PMID:26386285

Direct and Inverse Kinematics of a Novel Tip-Tilt-Piston Parallel Manipulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tahmasebi, Farhad

2004-01-01

Closed-form direct and inverse kinematics of a new three degree-of-freedom (DOF) parallel manipulator with inextensible limbs and base-mounted actuators are presented. The manipulator has higher resolution and precision than the existing three DOF mechanisms with extensible limbs. Since all of the manipulator actuators are base-mounted; higher payload capacity, smaller actuator sizes, and lower power dissipation can be obtained. The manipulator is suitable for alignment applications where only tip, tilt, and piston motions are significant. The direct kinematics of the manipulator is reduced to solving an eighth-degree polynomial in the square of tangent of half-angle between one of the limbs and the base plane. Hence, there are at most 16 assembly configurations for the manipulator. In addition, it is shown that the 16 solutions are eight pairs of reflected configurations with respect to the base plane. Numerical examples for the direct and inverse kinematics of the manipulator are also presented.

Kinematics of a New High Precision Three Degree-of-Freedom Parallel Manipulator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tahmasebi, Farhad

2005-01-01

Closed-form direct and inverse kinematics of a new three degree-of-freedom (DOF) parallel manipulator with inextensible limbs and base-mounted actuators are presented. The manipulator has higher resolution and precision than the existing three DOF mechanisms with extensible limbs. Since all of the manipulator actuators are base-mounted; higher payload capacity, smaller actuator sizes, and lower power dissipation can be obtained. The manipulator is suitable for alignment applications where only tip, tilt, and piston motions are significant. The direct kinematics of the manipulator is reduced to solving an eighth-degree polynomial in the square of tangent of half-angle between one of the limbs and the base plane. Hence, there are at most sixteen assembly configurations for the manipulator. In addition, it is shown that the sixteen solutions are eight pairs of reflected configurations with respect to the base plane. Numerical examples for the direct and inverse kinematics of the manipulator are also presented.

3D optical imagery for motion compensation in a limb ultrasound system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ranger, Bryan J.; Feigin, Micha; Zhang, Xiang; Mireault, Al; Raskar, Ramesh; Herr, Hugh M.; Anthony, Brian W.

2016-04-01

Conventional processes for prosthetic socket fabrication are heavily subjective, often resulting in an interface to the human body that is neither comfortable nor completely functional. With nearly 100% of amputees reporting that they experience discomfort with the wearing of their prosthetic limb, designing an effective interface to the body can significantly affect quality of life and future health outcomes. Active research in medical imaging and biomechanical tissue modeling of residual limbs has led to significant advances in computer aided prosthetic socket design, demonstrating an interest in moving toward more quantifiable processes that are still patient-specific. In our work, medical ultrasonography is being pursued to acquire data that may quantify and improve the design process and fabrication of prosthetic sockets while greatly reducing cost compared to an MRI-based framework. This paper presents a prototype limb imaging system that uses a medical ultrasound probe, mounted to a mechanical positioning system and submerged in a water bath. The limb imaging is combined with three-dimensional optical imaging for motion compensation. Images are collected circumferentially around the limb and combined into cross-sectional axial image slices, resulting in a compound image that shows tissue distributions and anatomical boundaries similar to magnetic resonance imaging. In this paper we provide a progress update on our system development, along with preliminary results as we move toward full volumetric imaging of residual limbs for prosthetic socket design. This demonstrates a novel multi-modal approach to residual limb imaging.

Limb Darkening and Planetary Transits: Testing Center-to-limb Intensity Variations and Limb-darkening Directly from Model Stellar Atmospheres

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neilson, Hilding R.; Lester, John B.; McNeil, Joseph T.

The transit method, employed by Microvariability and Oscillation of Stars ( MOST ), Kepler , and various ground-based surveys has enabled the characterization of extrasolar planets to unprecedented precision. These results are precise enough to begin to measure planet atmosphere composition, planetary oblateness, starspots, and other phenomena at the level of a few hundred parts per million. However, these results depend on our understanding of stellar limb darkening, that is, the intensity distribution across the stellar disk that is sequentially blocked as the planet transits. Typically, stellar limb darkening is assumed to be a simple parameterization with two coefficients thatmore » are derived from stellar atmosphere models or fit directly. In this work, we revisit this assumption and compute synthetic planetary-transit light curves directly from model stellar atmosphere center-to-limb intensity variations (CLIVs) using the plane-parallel Atlas and spherically symmetric SAtlas codes. We compare these light curves to those constructed using best-fit limb-darkening parameterizations. We find that adopting parametric stellar limb-darkening laws leads to systematic differences from the more geometrically realistic model stellar atmosphere CLIV of about 50–100 ppm at the transit center and up to 300 ppm at ingress/egress. While these errors are small, they are systematic, and they appear to limit the precision necessary to measure secondary effects. Our results may also have a significant impact on transit spectra.« less

Length asymmetry of the bovine digits.

PubMed

Muggli, E; Sauter-Louis, C; Braun, U; Nuss, K

2011-06-01

The lengths of the digital bones of the fore- and hind-limbs obtained post mortem from 40 cattle of different ages were measured using digital radiographs. The lengths of the individual digital bones and the overall length of the digit were determined using computer software. The lateral metacarpal/metatarsal condyle, and lateral P1 and P2 were significantly longer than their medial counterparts, whereas P3 of the medial digit was longer than its lateral partner. Measured from the cannon bone epiphysis to the tip of the pedal bone, the mean increased length of the lateral digit was 0.8 mm in the fore- and 1.5 mm in the hind-limb. When the lengths of the digital bones were summed, the mean length of the lateral digit was 1.8 mm longer in the fore-limb and 2.1 mm longer in the hind-limb. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the lengths of the paired digits differ in cattle. The majority of cattle have longer lateral digits in the fore- and hind-limbs. This asymmetry might explain why the lateral hind-limb claws are predisposed to sole ulcers on hard surfaces. In the hind-limbs, the impact is transferred from the pelvis directly to the longer lateral digit. In the fore-limb claws, the tenomuscular attachment to the trunk may be involved in a more even weight distribution and in a shift of weight to the medial claw. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Force Plate Gait Analysis in Doberman Pinschers with and without Cervical Spondylomyelopathy

PubMed Central

Foss, K.; da Costa, R.C.; Rajala-Shultz, P.J.; Allen, M.J.

2014-01-01

Background The most accepted means of evaluating the response of a patient with cervical spondylomyelopathy (CSM) to treatment is subjective and based on the owner and clinician's perception of the gait. Objective To establish and compare kinetic parameters based on force plate gait analysis between normal and CSM-affected Dobermans. Animals Nineteen Doberman Pinschers: 10 clinically normal and 9 with CSM. Methods Force plate analysis was prospectively performed in all dogs. At least 4 runs of ipsilateral limbs were collected from each dog. Eight force platform parameters were evaluated, including peak vertical force (PVF) and peak vertical impulse (PVI), peak mediolateral force (PMLF) and peak mediolateral impulse, peak braking force and peak braking impulse, and peak propulsive force (PPF) and peak propulsive impulse. In addition, the coefficient of variation (CV) for each limb was calculated for each parameter. Data analysis was performed by a repeated measures approach. Results PMLF (P = .0062), PVI (P = .0225), and PPF (P = .0408) were found to be lower in CSM-affected dogs compared with normal dogs. Analysis by CV as the outcome indicated more variability in PVF in CSM-affected dogs (P = 0.0045). The largest difference in the CV of PVF was seen in the thoracic limbs of affected dogs when compared with the thoracic limbs of normal dogs (P = 0.0019). Conclusions and Clinical Importance The CV of PVF in all 4 limbs, especially the thoracic limbs, distinguished clinically normal Dobermans from those with CSM. Other kinetic parameters less reliably distinguished CSM-affected from clinically normal Dobermans. PMID:23278957

Mechanisms of urodele limb regeneration

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Abstract This review explores the historical and current state of our knowledge about urodele limb regeneration. Topics discussed are (1) blastema formation by the proteolytic histolysis of limb tissues to release resident stem cells and mononucleate cells that undergo dedifferentiation, cell cycle entry and accumulation under the apical epidermal cap. (2) The origin, phenotypic memory, and positional memory of blastema cells. (3) The role played by macrophages in the early events of regeneration. (4) The role of neural and AEC factors and interaction between blastema cells in mitosis and distalization. (5) Models of pattern formation based on the results of axial reversal experiments, experiments on the regeneration of half and double half limbs, and experiments using retinoic acid to alter positional identity of blastema cells. (6) Possible mechanisms of distalization during normal and intercalary regeneration. (7) Is pattern formation is a self‐organizing property of the blastema or dictated by chemical signals from adjacent tissues? (8) What is the future for regenerating a human limb? PMID:29299322

Development of an assist controller with robot suit HAL for hemiplegic patients using motion data on the unaffected side.

PubMed

Kawamoto, Hiroaki; Kandone, Hideki; Sakurai, Takeru; Ariyasu, Ryohei; Ueno, Yukiko; Eguchi, Kiyoshi; Sankai, Yoshiyuki

2014-01-01

Among several characteristics seen in gait of hemiplegic patients after stroke, symmetry is known to be an indicator of the degree of impairment of walking ability. This paper proposes a control method for a wearable type lower limb motion assist robot to realize spontaneous symmetric gait for these individuals. This control method stores the motion of the unaffected limb during swing and then provides motion support on the affected limb during the subsequent swing using the stored pattern to realize symmetric gait based on spontaneous limb swing. This method is implemented on the robot suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limbs). Clinical tests were conducted in order to assess the feasibility of the control method. Our case study involved participation of one chronic stroke patient who was not able to flex his right knee. As a result, the walking support for hemiplegic leg provided by the HAL improved the subject's gait symmetry. The feasibility study showed promising basis for the future clinical study.

Systematic review of mirror therapy compared with conventional rehabilitation in upper extremity function in stroke survivors.

PubMed

Pérez-Cruzado, David; Merchán-Baeza, Jose Antonio; González-Sánchez, Manuel; Cuesta-Vargas, Antonio I

2017-04-01

Stroke is a leading cause of disability in developed countries. One of the most widespread techniques in clinical practice is mirror therapy (MT). To determine the effectiveness of MT over other methods of intervention in the recovery of upper limb function in people who have had a stroke. A systematic review was conducted. The search string was established based on the last systematic review about MT that dated from 2009: "upper extremity" OR "upper limb "AND "mirror therapy" AND stroke. For this search Pubmed, Scopus and SciELO databases were used. Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review. Recovery of the upper limb, upper limb function and gross manual dexterity were frequently measured in these studies. In the primary variables in promoting recovery, MT alone showed better results in acute and chronic stroke patients in upper limb functioning than either conventional rehabilitation (CR) or CR plus MT. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42015026869. © 2016 Occupational Therapy Australia.

Acute Parotitis after Lower Limb Amputation: A Case Report of a Rare Complication.

PubMed

Avgerinos, Konstantinos Ioannis; Degermetzoglou, Nikolaos; Theofanidou, Sofia; Kritikou, Georgia; Bountouris, Ioannis

2018-01-01

Postoperative parotitis is a rare complication that occurs usually after abdominal surgery. Parotitis has never been described as a complication of vascular operations, in literature. In the present article, we describe a case of a postamputation parotitis along with its management and its possible pathogenesis. An 83-year-old diabetic man was emergently admitted to hospital because of gangrene below the right ankle and sepsis. The patient underwent a lower limb amputation above the knee. On the 5th postoperative day, he was diagnosed with right parotitis probably because of dehydration, general anesthesia, and immunocompromisation. A CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. He received treatment with antibiotics and fluids. His condition gradually improved, and he was finally discharged on 15th postoperative day. Postoperative parotitis can possibly occur after any type of surgery including vascular. Clinicians should be aware of this complication although it is rare. Several risk factors such as dehydration, general anesthesia, drugs, immunocompromisation, head tilt during surgery, and stones in Stensen's duct may predispose to postoperative parotitis. Treatment consists of antibiotics and hydration.

Talar injuries--the orthopaedic challenge.

PubMed

Lesić, Aleksandar R; Zagorac, Slavisa G; Bumbasirević, Marko Z

2012-01-01

Injuries of the talus represents an important part of the foot and ankle trauma. Since talar bone connect the lower limb and foot, the sequelas of its trauma could have significant influence on the function of the whole lower limb and gait. The specific vascularization of the talus results in delayed union and even in the avascular necrosis. The diagnosis of the fractures of the talus can be made on the x-rays, but sometimes real picture of the fracture pattern can be seen only in the CT scans. Ocult fractures such as osteochondral fractures and avascular necrosis can be exactly detected on MRI in aim not to be overlookded as the ankle sprain diagnosis. The precise reduction and stable internal fixation is mandatory in the treatment to enable the anatomical position of the talonavicular, talocrural and subtalar joint and to make possible early motion and rehabilitation, without weight bearing. On the other hand, crushed fractures, open fractures and the Hawkins III-IV fractures with the dislocations of the talar body sometimes needs salvage procedures like Blair or tibio-talar or tibio-calcaneal fusion.

A study to evaluate patterns of superficial venous reflux in patients with primary chronic venous disease.

PubMed

Qureshi, Mahim I; Gohel, Manj; Wing, Louise; MacDonald, Andrew; Lim, Chung S; Ellis, Mary; Franklin, Ian J; Davies, Alun H

2015-08-01

This study assessed patterns of superficial reflux in patients with primary chronic venous disease. Retrospective review of all patient venous duplex ultrasonography reports at one institution between 2000 and 2009. Legs with secondary, deep or no superficial reflux were excluded. In total, 8654 limbs were scanned; 2559 legs from 2053 patients (mean age 52.3 years) were included for analysis. Great saphenous vein reflux predominated (68%), followed by combined great saphenous vein/small saphenous vein reflux (20%) and small saphenous vein reflux (7%). The majority of legs with competent saphenofemoral junction had below-knee great saphenous vein reflux (53%); incompetent saphenofemoral junction was associated with combined above and below-knee great saphenous vein reflux (72%). Isolated small saphenous vein reflux was associated with saphenopopliteal junction incompetence (61%), although the majority of all small saphenous vein reflux limbs had a competent saphenopopliteal junction (57%). Superficial venous reflux does not necessarily originate from a saphenous junction. Large prospective studies with interval duplex ultrasonography are required to unravel the natural history of primary chronic venous disease. © The Author(s) 2014.

Clinical, cognitive and anatomical evolution from nonfluent progressive aphasia to corticobasal syndrome: a case report.

PubMed

Gorno-Tempini, Maria Luisa; Murray, Ryan C; Rankin, Katherine P; Weiner, Michael W; Miller, Bruce L

2004-12-01

Recent clinical and pathological studies have suggested that frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS) show clinical and pathological overlap. We present four years of longitudinal clinical, cognitive and anatomical data in the case of a 56-year-old woman, AS, whose clinical picture evolved from FTLD to CBS. For the first three years, AS showed a progressive speech and language disorder compatible with a diagnosis of the nonfluent aphasia variant of FTLD. At year four, 10 years after her first symptom, AS developed the classical clinical signs of CBS, including alien limb phenomenon and dystonia. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) applied to AS's four annual scans showed progression of atrophy from the inferior posterior frontal gyrus, to the left insula and finally to the medial frontal lobe. This case demonstrates the clinical overlap between FTLD and CBS and shows that the two can appear in the same patient at different stages of the disease in relation to the progression of anatomical damage.

MATADOR: Mars Atmosphere Tempeature And Density Orbiting Radiometer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mlynczak, M. G.; Johnson, D. G.; Brown, S.; Esplin, R.; Miller, J.

2006-12-01

We describe a new instrument designed to observe the temperature, pressure, density, and composition of the Martian atmosphere with unprecedented accuracy and precision. The MATADOR instrument is a 12-channel limb scanning infrared radiometer and is an improved design based upon the highly successful Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument that has now achieved five years of operation in Earth orbit on the NASA TIMED mission. The twelve discrete MATADOR channels span a wavelength range from 1.27 um to 22.2 um. The focal plane is cooled by a small mechanical cryocooler. The mass of the instrument is approximately one-half that of the SABER-TIMED instrument. MATADOR is more than twice as sensitive as the SABER instrument. In addition to temperature and density, MATADOR will also provide vertical profiles of dust opacity (at several wavelengths), water vapor, water ice, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and ozone. The instrument design and anticipated performance are reviewed, along with detailed simulations of the retrievals of Martian atmospheric composition.

Intrathoracic tumor of the chest wall: A case of Castleman's disease mimicking myositis of the lower extremities.

PubMed

Tampakis, Athanasios; Tampaki, Ekaterini Christina; Daikeler, Thomas; Lardinois, Didier

2017-11-01

Castleman's disease refers to a group of uncommon lymphoproliferative disorders which exhibit common lymph-node histological features. A 72-year-old male patient presented with signs of lower limb myositis. Detailed work-up focused initially on evaluating hematological malignancies, the presence of a solid tumor, autoimmune diseases and degenerative disorders of the peripheral nerves. Finally, a PET-CT scan was performed to exclude paraneoplastic manifestations of a primary tumor, revealing  however a tumor of the thoracic wall. The definite histological diagnosis confirmed the presence of unicentric Castleman's disease of the chest wall. The manifestations of the present case suggest that a systemic inflammation might occur in the unicentric form of the disease possibly due to cytokine hypersecretion. The unicentric manifestation of the disease should be well distinguished from the multicentric appearance. Unicentric disease is a surgical condition and warrants a follow-up based on the systemic inflammation that might occur.

Anatomy of Shoulder Girdle Muscle Modifications and Walking Adaptation in the Scaly Chinese Pangolin (Manis Pentadactyla Pentadactyla: Pholidota) Compared with the Partially Osteoderm-Clad Armadillos (Dasypodidae).

PubMed

Kawashima, Tomokazu; Thorington, Richard W; Bohaska, Paula W; Chen, Yen-Jean; Sato, Fumi

2015-07-01

Because pangolins are unique mammals with a body and limbs almost entirely sheathed in hard keratinous overlapping scales and with digging and climbing abilities, the shoulder girdle muscles may differ significantly from those of other mammals including the partially osteoderm-clad armadillos. Therefore, we conducted a functional anatomical study of the shoulder girdle muscles in Chinese pangolins (Manis pentadactyla pentadactyla, Pholidota) and some armadillo species (Dasypodidae). Our CT scans revealed that the pangolin's overlapping scales are hard structures completely encasing the limbs. The armadillo's limbs, however, are covered with small relatively soft non-overlapping scales embedded in the skin, and articulate completely free of the hard osteodermal carapace. The attachments of some shoulder girdle muscles in the pangolin have moved from the surrounding edges of the scapula to the spine, and they, therefore, fully cover the scapula. In addition, some pangolin shoulder girdle muscles cross the shoulder joint to insert on the distal humerus, but this does not occur in armadillos. We cannot rule out the possibility that these muscle modifications represent adaptations for digging and/or climbing in pangolins. Our results and previous literature do not establish specific links between them and locomotive modes. However, we propose that the Chinese pangolin may use its derived muscular features when walking to move its armor-restricted forelimbs more effectively by swinging its head from side to side. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Histomorphologic evaluation of extracorporeal shock wave therapy of the fourth metatarsal bone and the origin of the suspensory ligament in horses without lameness.

PubMed

Bischofberger, Andrea S; Ringer, Simone K; Geyer, Hans; Imboden, Isabel; Ueltschi, Gottlieb; Lischer, Christoph J

2006-04-01

To determine via histologic examination and scintigraphy the effect of focused extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on normal bone and the bone-ligament interface in horses. 6 horses without lameness. Origins of the suspensory ligament at the metacarpus (35-mm probe depth) and fourth metatarsal bone (5-mm probe depth) were treated twice (days 0 and 16) with 2,000 shocks (energy flux density, 0.15 mJ/mm2). One forelimb and 1 hind limb were randomly treated, and the contralateral limbs served as nontreated controls. Bone scans were performed on days -1 (before ESWT), 3, 16, and 19. Histomorphologic studies of control and treated tissues were performed on day 30. ESWT significantly increased the number of osteoblasts but caused no damage to associated soft tissue structures and did not induce cortical microfractures. A significant correlation between osteoblast numbers and radiopharmaceutical uptake was noticed on lateral views of the hind limb on days 3 and 16 and on caudal views of the forelimb on day 3. Results suggested that ESWT has the potential to increase osteoblast numbers in horses. The correlation between increased osteoblast numbers and radio-pharmaceutical uptake 3 days and 16 days after the first ESWT suggested that stimulation of osteogenesis occurred soon after ESWT. No damage to bone or the bone-ligament interface should occur at the settings used in this study, and ESWT can therefore be administered safely in horses.

Particle size distribution of the stratospheric aerosol from SCIAMACHY limb measurements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rozanov, Alexei; Malinina, Elizaveta; Bovensmann, Heinrich; Burrows, John

2017-04-01

A crucial role of the stratospheric aerosols for the radiative budget of the Earth's atmosphere and the consequences for the climate change are widely recognized. A reliable knowledge on physical and optical properties of the stratospheric aerosols as well as on their vertical and spatial distributing is a key issue to assure a proper initialization and running conditions for climate models. On a global scale this information can only be gained from space borne measurements. While a series of past, present and future instruments provide extensive date sets of such aerosol characteristics as extinction coefficient or backscattering ratio, information on a size distribution of the stratospheric aerosols is sparse. One of the important sources on vertically and spatially resolved information on the particle size distribution of stratospheric aerosols is provided by space borne measurements of the scattered solar light in limb viewing geometry performed in visible, near-infrared and short-wave infrared spectral ranges. SCIAMACHY (SCanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY) instrument operated on the European satellite Envisat from 2002 to 2102 was capable of providing spectral information needed to retrieve parameters of aerosol particle size distributions. In this presentation we discuss the retrieval method, present first validation results with SAGE II data and analyze first data sets of stratospheric aerosol particle size distribution parameters obtained from SCIAMACHY limb measurements. The research work was performed in the framework of ROMIC (Role of the middle atmosphere in climate) project.

Goal-Directed Aiming: Two Components but Multiple Processes

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, Digby; Hansen, Steve; Grierson, Lawrence E. M.; Lyons, James; Bennett, Simon J.; Hayes, Spencer J.

2010-01-01

This article reviews the behavioral literature on the control of goal-directed aiming and presents a multiple-process model of limb control. The model builds on recent variants of Woodworth's (1899) two-component model of speed-accuracy relations in voluntary movement and incorporates ideas about dynamic online limb control based on prior…

Upper-limb robot-assisted therapy in rehabilitation of acute stroke patients: focused review and results of new randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Masiero, Stefano; Armani, Mario; Rosati, Giulio

2011-01-01

The successful motor rehabilitation of stroke patients requires early intensive and task-specific therapy. A recent Cochrane Review, although based on a limited number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), showed that early robotic training of the upper limb (i.e., during acute or subacute phase) can enhance motor learning and improve functional abilities more than chronic-phase training. In this article, a new subacute-phase RCT with the Neuro-Rehabilitation-roBot (NeReBot) is presented. While in our first study we used the NeReBot in addition to conventional therapy, in this new trial we used the same device in substitution of standard proximal upper-limb rehabilitation. With this protocol, robot patients achieved similar reductions in motor impairment and enhancements in paretic upper-limb function to those gained by patients in a control group. By analyzing these results and those of previous studies, we hypothesize a new robotic protocol for acute and subacute stroke patients based on both treatment modalities (in addition and in substitution).

[Scintigraphic detection of osteoblast activity after implantation of BAS-0 bioactive glass-ceramic material into long bone defects].

PubMed

Sponer, P; Urban, K; Urbanová, E

2006-06-01

The aim of the study was to demonstrate, by three-phase bone scintigraphy, radionuclide uptake at the site of defects in long bones filled with the non-resorbable bioactive glass-ceramic material BAS-0 at a long follow-up. Twenty patients, 14 men and 6 women, operated on between 1990 and 2000 for benign bone tumors or tumor-like lesions localized in the femur, tibia or humerus were comprised in the study. Their average age at the time of operation was 14 years (range, 8 to 24). The diagnoses based on histological examination included juvenile bone cysts in 11, aneurysmal bone cyst in five, non-ossifying fibroma in two, and fibrous dysplasia in two patients. The lesions were localized in the femur, humerus and tibia in 11, five and four patients, respectively. The metaphysis was affected in eight and the diaphysis in 12 patients. Clinical, radiological and scintigraphic examinations were carried out at 2 to 12 years (7 years on average) after surgery. The clinical evaluation included subjective complaints and objective findings. Radiographs were made in standard projections and the osteo-integration of glass-ceramic material was investigated. Three-phase bone scans were made and the healthy and the affected limbs in each patient were compared by means of an index. Radionuclide uptake was considered normal when the index value was equal to 1.0, mildly increased at an index value of 1.2, moderately increased at 1.2-1.5 and markedly increased at an index value higher than 1.5. The clinical evaluation showed that, in the patients with glass-ceramic filling of metaphyses, six had no subjective complaints and two reported transient pain. In the patients with implants in diaphyses, subjective complaints were recorded in nine and no complaints in three patients. No inflammatory changes in soft tissues were found. No restriction in weightbearing of the limb treated was reported by any of the patients. On radiography, 18 patients were free from any disease residue or recurrence. Two patients had a residual defect. The bioactive glass-ceramic material BAS-0 was completely incorporated in all patients. On three-phase bone scans, radionuclide distribution on the flow phase and soft tissue phase was symmetrical in both limbs of all patients. For the metaphyseal location of implants, the delayed images demonstrated physiological radionuclide distribution in one patient, mildly increased distribution (index up to 1.2) in four, increased uptake (index up to 1.5) in two patients, and highly increased uptake (index above 1.5) in one patient. For the diaphyseal location of implants, the delayed scans demonstrated slightly increased radionuclide distribution in two, markedly increased in two and highly increased uptake in eight patients. The tissue during incorporation of a non-resorbable synthetic material is influenced by stress-shielding. This changes local mechanical signals, which has a negative effect on the adjacent bone tissue. Stress accumulating at the interface of a rigid implant and bone tissue may result in pain, and is detected by scintigraphy as an increased nucleotide uptake, particularly in diaphyseal grafts. This paper presents problems associated with implantation of the non-resorbable bioactive glass-ceramic material BAS-0 in the treatment of diaphyseal defects of long bones. The results show that, for filling of the defects described herein, non-resorbable glass-ceramic materials are not suitable.

Hip Strength in Patients with Quadriceps Strength Deficits after ACL Reconstruction.

PubMed

Bell, David R; Trigsted, Stephanie M; Post, Eric G; Walden, Courtney E

2016-10-01

Quadriceps strength deficits persist for years after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, and patients with these deficits often shift torque demands away from the knee extensors to the hip during functional tasks. However, it is not clear how quadriceps strength deficits may affect hip strength. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate differences in lower extremity strength in individuals with ACL reconstruction with differing levels of quadriceps strength asymmetry. Isometric strength was recorded bilaterally in 135 participants (73 control and 62 with unilateral ACL reconstruction, time from surgery = 30.9 ± 17.6 months) from the knee extensors and flexors, hip extensors and abductors, and hip internal and external rotator muscle groups. Symmetry indices (limb symmetry index (LSI)) were created based on quadriceps strength, and subjects with ACL reconstruction were subdivided (high quadriceps (LSI ≥ 90%), n = 37; low quadriceps (LSI < 85%), n = 18). Individual group (control vs high quadriceps vs low quadriceps) by limb (reconstructed/nondominant vs healthy/dominant) repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare strength (%BW) for each of the six joint motions of interest (knee extensors/flexors, hip abductors/extensors/external, and internal rotators) while controlling for time from surgery. An interaction was observed for quadriceps strength (P < 0.001), and the reconstructed limb in the low quadriceps group was weaker than all other limbs. A main effect for group was observed with the low quadriceps group having greater hip extension (P = 0.007) strength in both limbs compared with the other groups. Knee flexion strength was weaker in the reconstructed limb of the high quadriceps group (P = 0.047) compared with all other groups and limbs. Individuals with ACL reconstruction and involved limb quadriceps weakness have greater hip extension strength in both limbs compared with patients with bilateral strength symmetry and controls.

Real-time patient-specific finite element analysis of internal stresses in the soft tissues of a residual limb: a new tool for prosthetic fitting.

PubMed

Portnoy, S; Yarnitzky, G; Yizhar, Z; Kristal, A; Oppenheim, U; Siev-Ner, I; Gefen, A

2007-01-01

Fitting of a prosthetic socket is a critical stage in the process of rehabilitation of a trans-tibial amputation (TTA) patient, since a misfit may cause pressure ulcers or a deep tissue injury (DTI: necrosis of the muscle flap under intact skin) in the residual limb. To date, prosthetic fitting typically depends on the subjective skills of the prosthetist, and is not supported by biomedical instrumentation that allows evaluation of the quality of fitting. Specifically, no technology is presently available to provide real-time continuous information on the internal distribution of mechanical stresses in the residual limb during fitting of the prosthesis, or while using it and this severely limits patient evaluations. In this study, a simplified yet clinically oriented patient-specific finite element (FE) model of the residual limb was developed for real-time stress analysis. For this purpose we employed a custom-made FE code that continuously calculates internal stresses in the residual limb, based on boundary conditions acquired in real-time from force sensors, located at the limb-prosthesis interface. Validation of the modeling system was accomplished by means of a synthetic phantom of the residual limb, which allowed simultaneous measurements of interface pressures and internal stresses. Human studies were conducted subsequently in five TTA patients. The dimensions of bones and soft tissues were obtained from X-rays of the residual limb of each patient. An indentation test was performed in order to obtain the effective elastic modulus of the soft tissues of the residual limb. Seven force sensors were placed between the residual limb and the prosthetic liner, and subjects walked on a treadmill during analysis. Generally, stresses under the shinbones were approximately threefold higher than stresses at the soft tissues behind the bones. Usage of a thigh corset decreased the stresses in the residual limb during gait by approximately 80%. Also, the stresses calculated during the trial of a subject who complained about pain and discomfort were the highest, confirming that his socket was not adequately fitted. We conclude that real-time patient-specific FE analysis of internal stresses in deep soft tissues of the residual limb in TTA patients is feasible. This method is promising for improving the fitting of prostheses in the clinical setting and for protecting the residual limb from pressure ulcers and DTI.

Gestational Age and Neonatal Brain Microstructure in Term Born Infants: A Birth Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Broekman, Birit F. P.; Wang, Changqing; Li, Yue; Rifkin-Graboi, Anne; Saw, Seang Mei; Chong, Yap-Seng; Kwek, Kenneth; Gluckman, Peter D.; Fortier, Marielle V.; Meaney, Michael J.; Qiu, Anqi

2014-01-01

Objective Understanding healthy brain development in utero is crucial in order to detect abnormal developmental trajectories due to developmental disorders. However, in most studies neuroimaging was done after a significant postnatal period, and in those studies that performed neuroimaging on fetuses, the quality of data has been affected due to complications of scanning during pregnancy. To understand healthy brain development between 37–41 weeks of gestational age, our study assessed the in utero growth of the brain in healthy term born babies with DTI scanning soon after birth. Methods A cohort of 93 infants recruited from maternity hospitals in Singapore underwent diffusion tensor imaging between 5 to 17 days after birth. We did a cross-sectional examination of white matter microstructure of the brain among healthy term infants as a function of gestational age via voxel-based analysis on fractional anisotropy. Results Greater gestational age at birth in term infants was associated with larger fractional anisotropy values in early developing brain regions, when corrected for age at scan. Specifically, it was associated with a cluster located at the corpus callosum (corrected p<0.001), as well as another cluster spanning areas of the anterior corona radiata, anterior limb of internal capsule, and external capsule (corrected p<0.001). Conclusions Our findings show variation in brain maturation associated with gestational age amongst ‘term’ infants, with increased brain maturation when born with a relatively higher gestational age in comparison to those infants born with a relatively younger gestational age. Future studies should explore if these differences in brain maturation between 37 and 41 weeks of gestational age will persist over time due to development outside the womb. PMID:25535959

Quantifying saphenous reflux.

PubMed

Raju, Seshadri; Ward, Mark; Jones, Tamekia L

2015-01-01

Quantification of reflux is desirable in advanced chronic venous disease as clinical features are based on its adverse impact on ambulatory venous pressure (AMVP). Prior clinical observation suggests that reflux in a saphenous vein > 5 mm is likely significant. On the basis of normal calf pump mechanics, we hypothesized that a reflux volume ≥ 30 mL was necessary to upset pump equilibrium. Venous laboratory data in 119 limbs with isolated saphenous reflux were analyzed. Reflux volume was calculated by duplex ultrasound (area × velocity × duration). The relationship of reflux volume to saphenous size, calf pump function (air plethysmography, AMVP), flow resistance (Poiseuille equation), and clinical severity were examined. Saphenous size had a bimodal relationship to reflux volume. Reflux volume of ≥ 30 mL occurred mostly (97% of limbs) with saphenous size of ≥ 5.5 mm, but 51% of saphenous veins >5.5 mm had reflux volumes <30 mL. This is because saphenous veins invariably carried less than their maximum reflux potential indicated by their size (Poiseuille equation). Variable additional focal resistance across refluxive valve cusps and narrower re-entry perforators is not taken into account when only saphenous truncal size is used for resistance calculation. Furthermore, the association of AMVP with reflux was found not to be based on a set (≥ 30 mL) threshold but was variable, depending on existing calf pump mechanics, compensatory in some (12% of limbs) and aggravating reflux effects in others (26%). Calf pump abnormalities were found in 70% of refluxive limbs and in 44% (n = 16) of contralateral limbs without any reflux. Reflux volume was significantly higher overall in limbs with ulcer (C6), but the range overlapped with lesser clinical classes. Seven of 14 limbs with active ulcers had reflux volume >30 mL; six of seven limbs with active ulcers and reflux volume of <30 mL had calf pump abnormalities that would be poorly tolerant of reflux even at these smaller volumes. Saphenous size alone cannot be used as an indicator of significant reflux. More than two thirds of the limbs with isolated saphenous reflux have calf pump abnormalities, which also occurred without reflux in the opposite limb--a novel finding. This means that in addition to quantification of reflux volume, calf pump assessment such as with air plethysmography and AMVP is desirable in clinical classes 3 and higher for proper assessment. Copyright © 2015 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Extracting time-frequency feature of single-channel vastus medialis EMG signals for knee exercise pattern recognition.

PubMed

Zhang, Yi; Li, Peiyang; Zhu, Xuyang; Su, Steven W; Guo, Qing; Xu, Peng; Yao, Dezhong

2017-01-01

The EMG signal indicates the electrophysiological response to daily living of activities, particularly to lower-limb knee exercises. Literature reports have shown numerous benefits of the Wavelet analysis in EMG feature extraction for pattern recognition. However, its application to typical knee exercises when using only a single EMG channel is limited. In this study, three types of knee exercises, i.e., flexion of the leg up (standing), hip extension from a sitting position (sitting) and gait (walking) are investigated from 14 healthy untrained subjects, while EMG signals from the muscle group of vastus medialis and the goniometer on the knee joint of the detected leg are synchronously monitored and recorded. Four types of lower-limb motions including standing, sitting, stance phase of walking, and swing phase of walking, are segmented. The Wavelet Transform (WT) based Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) approach is proposed for the classification of four lower-limb motions using a single-channel EMG signal from the muscle group of vastus medialis. Based on lower-limb motions from all subjects, the combination of five-level wavelet decomposition and SVD is used to comprise the feature vector. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) is then configured to build a multiple-subject classifier for which the subject independent accuracy will be given across all subjects for the classification of four types of lower-limb motions. In order to effectively indicate the classification performance, EMG features from time-domain (e.g., Mean Absolute Value (MAV), Root-Mean-Square (RMS), integrated EMG (iEMG), Zero Crossing (ZC)) and frequency-domain (e.g., Mean Frequency (MNF) and Median Frequency (MDF)) are also used to classify lower-limb motions. The five-fold cross validation is performed and it repeats fifty times in order to acquire the robust subject independent accuracy. Results show that the proposed WT-based SVD approach has the classification accuracy of 91.85%±0.88% which outperforms other feature models.

Towards Efficient Decoding of Multiple Classes of Motor Imagery Limb Movements Based on EEG Spectral and Time Domain Descriptors.

PubMed

Samuel, Oluwarotimi Williams; Geng, Yanjuan; Li, Xiangxin; Li, Guanglin

2017-10-28

To control multiple degrees of freedom (MDoF) upper limb prostheses, pattern recognition (PR) of electromyogram (EMG) signals has been successfully applied. This technique requires amputees to provide sufficient EMG signals to decode their limb movement intentions (LMIs). However, amputees with neuromuscular disorder/high level amputation often cannot provide sufficient EMG control signals, and thus the applicability of the EMG-PR technique is limited especially to this category of amputees. As an alternative approach, electroencephalograph (EEG) signals recorded non-invasively from the brain have been utilized to decode the LMIs of humans. However, most of the existing EEG based limb movement decoding methods primarily focus on identifying limited classes of upper limb movements. In addition, investigation on EEG feature extraction methods for the decoding of multiple classes of LMIs has rarely been considered. Therefore, 32 EEG feature extraction methods (including 12 spectral domain descriptors (SDDs) and 20 time domain descriptors (TDDs)) were used to decode multiple classes of motor imagery patterns associated with different upper limb movements based on 64-channel EEG recordings. From the obtained experimental results, the best individual TDD achieved an accuracy of 67.05 ± 3.12% as against 87.03 ± 2.26% for the best SDD. By applying a linear feature combination technique, an optimal set of combined TDDs recorded an average accuracy of 90.68% while that of the SDDs achieved an accuracy of 99.55% which were significantly higher than those of the individual TDD and SDD at p < 0.05. Our findings suggest that optimal feature set combination would yield a relatively high decoding accuracy that may improve the clinical robustness of MDoF neuroprosthesis. The study was approved by the ethics committee of Institutional Review Board of Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, and the reference number is SIAT-IRB-150515-H0077.

Trauma Patient with Fat Embolism Detected on Computed Tomography.

PubMed

Sousa, Isabel; Janeiro, João; Campos, Paula; Távora, Isabel

2017-01-31

Fat embolism is frequent following fractures of long bones, however the development of the clinical syndrome of fat embolism (characterized by progressive respiratory distress, mental status depression and petechial rash) is rare, but relevant because of its potential severity. We report a case of a trauma patient with multiple fractures of the right lower limb in whom an emergency computed tomography scan showed fat emboli within the lumen of the homolateral common femoral vein. The imaging detection of macroscopic fat emboli should alert the clinician to the potential for subsequent fat embolism syndrome.

Measurements of the vertical profile of water vapor abundance in the Martian atmosphere from Mars Observer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schofield, J. T.; Mccleese, Daniel J.

1988-01-01

An analysis is presented of the Pressure Modulator Infrared Radiometer (PMIRR) capabilities along with how the vertical profiles of water vapor will be obtained. The PMIRR will employ filter and pressure modulation radiometry using nine spectral channels, in both limb scanning and nadir sounding modes, to obtain daily, global maps of temperature, dust extinction, condensate extinction, and water vapor mixing ratio profiles as a function of pressure to half scale height or 5 km vertical resolution. Surface thermal properties will also be mapped, and the polar radiactive balance will be monitored.

Fine morphology of frontal filaments in nauplii of cirriped crustaceans.

PubMed

Obukhova, A L; Voronezhskaya, E E; Malakhov, V V

2016-05-01

Fine morphology of the frontal filaments (FFs) at all nauplius stages of two barnacle species (Verruca stroemia and Hesperibalanus hesperius) has been investigated by scanning electron microscopy. FFs have been detected at the second nauplius stage and persist during all stages. FFs contain a wide proximal and a fine distal parts, but they are not actually separated as segments of the limbs, and the area between them looks like a single cuticular crease. Apical and subapical pores have been found at the top of each FF in the larvae of both species, which may indicate the chemoreceptor function of these organs.

Endovascular treatment of a postlaminectomy arteriovenous fistula. A case report.

PubMed

Ventura, M; Rivellini, C; Saracino, G; Mastromarino, A; Spartera, C; Zannetti, S

2002-08-01

We report a case of iliac arteriovenous fistula (AVF) following disk surgery. A 51-year-old woman underwent hemilaminectomy for a slipped disk. Two weeks after surgery the patient experienced dyspnea and oedema of the lower limbs. Presence of a systolic murmur on the cardiac floor and on the abdomen was detected and abdomen CT scan which evidenced a AVF between the right common iliac artery and vein. The lesion, confirmed by angiography, was successfully treated with the endovascular technique. The endovascular technique appears to be a valid alternative to the traditional surgical treatment of postlaminectomy AVF.

Space-based, but not arm-based, shift in tactile processing in complex regional pain syndrome and its relationship to cooling of the affected limb.

PubMed

Moseley, G Lorimer; Gallace, Alberto; Spence, Charles

2009-11-01

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) occurs after stroke, but most cases develop after peripheral trauma and without evidence of brain trauma. However, CRPS is associated with symptoms that appear similar to those observed in patients suffering from hemispatial neglect. Ten participants (four males) with CRPS of one arm performed temporal order judgements of pairs of vibrotactile stimuli, one delivered to each hand, at one of 10 possible stimulus onset asynchronies, under two conditions: arms held each side of the midline and arms crossed over the midline. Participants released a foot switch to indicate which hand had been stimulated first. The order of conditions was randomized and the foot under which the switch was positioned was counterbalanced. There were two blocks of 150 trials in each condition. The stimulus onset asynchronicity at which the participants were equally likely to select either hand, the point of subjective simultaneity (PSS), was compared between conditions and between those with left or right-sided symptoms. When arms were not crossed, the participants prioritized stimuli from the unaffected limb over those from the affected limb (mean +/- SD PSS = 25 +/- 7.5 ms) and the magnitude of the PSS strongly related to the degree to which the affected hand was cooler than the unaffected hand (r = 0.942, P < 0.001). When the arms were crossed, the effect was reversed: the participants prioritized stimuli from the affected limb over those from the unaffected limb [PSS = -18 +/- 13 ms; main effect of condition F (1, 9) = 98.6, P < 0.001]. There was no effect of the side of symptoms. These results show that CRPS is associated with a deficit in tactile processing that is defined by the space in which the affected limb normally resides, not by the affected limb itself, and which relates to the relative cooling of the affected limb. This pattern is consistent with data from those with hemispatial neglect after stroke and raises the possibility that chronic CRPS involves a type of spatial neglect.

Can a semi-automated surface matching and principal axis-based algorithm accurately quantify femoral shaft fracture alignment in six degrees of freedom?

PubMed

Crookshank, Meghan C; Beek, Maarten; Singh, Devin; Schemitsch, Emil H; Whyne, Cari M

2013-07-01

Accurate alignment of femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a cone-beam CT-based, semi-automated algorithm to quantify the malalignment in six degrees of freedom (6DOF) using a surface matching and principal axes-based approach. Complex comminuted diaphyseal fractures were created in nine cadaveric femora and cone-beam CT images were acquired (27 cases total). Scans were cropped and segmented using intensity-based thresholding, producing superior, inferior and comminution volumes. Cylinders were fit to estimate the long axes of the superior and inferior fragments. The angle and distance between the two cylindrical axes were calculated to determine flexion/extension and varus/valgus angulation and medial/lateral and anterior/posterior translations, respectively. Both surfaces were unwrapped about the cylindrical axes. Three methods of matching the unwrapped surface for determination of periaxial rotation were compared based on minimizing the distance between features. The calculated corrections were compared to the input malalignment conditions. All 6DOF were calculated to within current clinical tolerances for all but two cases. This algorithm yielded accurate quantification of malalignment of femoral shaft fractures for fracture gaps up to 60 mm, based on a single CBCT image of the fractured limb. Copyright © 2012 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Remote intelligent Brunnstrom assessment system for upper limb rehabilitation for post-stroke based on extreme learning machine].

PubMed

Wang, Yue; Yu, Lei; Fu, Jianming; Fang, Qiang

2014-04-01

In order to realize an individualized and specialized rehabilitation assessment of remoteness and intelligence, we set up a remote intelligent assessment system of upper limb movement function of post-stroke patients during rehabilitation. By using the remote rehabilitation training sensors and client data sampling software, we collected and uploaded the gesture data from a patient's forearm and upper arm during rehabilitation training to database of the server. Then a remote intelligent assessment system, which had been developed based on the extreme learning machine (ELM) algorithm and Brunnstrom stage assessment standard, was used to evaluate the gesture data. To evaluate the reliability of the proposed method, a group of 23 stroke patients, whose upper limb movement functions were in different recovery stages, and 4 healthy people, whose upper limb movement functions were normal, were recruited to finish the same training task. The results showed that, compared to that of the experienced rehabilitation expert who used the Brunnstrom stage standard table, the accuracy of the proposed remote Brunnstrom intelligent assessment system can reach a higher level, as 92.1%. The practical effects of surgery have proved that the proposed system could realize the intelligent assessment of upper limb movement function of post-stroke patients remotely, and it could also make the rehabilitation of the post-stroke patients at home or in a community care center possible.

The benefit of limb cloud imaging for infrared limb sounding of tropospheric trace gases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, S.; Spang, R.; Preusse, P.; Heinemann, G.

2009-06-01

Advances in detector technology enable a new generation of infrared limb sounders to measure 2-D images of the atmosphere. A proposed limb cloud imager (LCI) mode will detect clouds with a spatial resolution unprecedented for limb sounding. For the inference of temperature and trace gas distributions, detector pixels of the LCI have to be combined into super-pixels which provide the required signal-to-noise and information content for the retrievals. This study examines the extent to which tropospheric coverage can be improved in comparison to limb sounding using a fixed field of view with the size of the super-pixels, as in conventional limb sounders. The study is based on cloud topographies derived from (a) IR brightness temperatures (BT) of geostationary weather satellites in conjunction with ECMWF temperature profiles and (b) ice and liquid water content data of the Consortium for Small-scale Modeling-Europe (COSMO-EU) of the German Weather Service. Limb cloud images are simulated by matching the cloud topography with the limb sounding line of sight (LOS). The analysis of the BT data shows that the reduction of the spatial sampling along the track has hardly any effect on the gain in information. The comparison between BT and COSMO-EU data identifies the strength of both data sets, which are the representation of the horizontal cloud extent for the BT data and the reproduction of the cloud amount for the COSMO-EU data. The results of the analysis of both data sets show the great advantage of the cloud imager. However, because both cloud data sets do not present the complete fine structure of the real cloud fields in the atmosphere it is assumed that the results tend to underestimate the increase in information. In conclusion, real measurements by such an instrument may result in an even higher benefit for tropospheric limb retrievals.

Geometric Morphometrics on Gene Expression Patterns Within Phenotypes: A Case Example on Limb Development

PubMed Central

Martínez-Abadías, Neus; Mateu, Roger; Niksic, Martina; Russo, Lucia; Sharpe, James

2016-01-01

How the genotype translates into the phenotype through development is critical to fully understand the evolution of phenotypes. We propose a novel approach to directly assess how changes in gene expression patterns are associated with changes in morphology using the limb as a case example. Our method combines molecular biology techniques, such as whole-mount in situ hybridization, with image and shape analysis, extending the use of Geometric Morphometrics to the analysis of nonanatomical shapes, such as gene expression domains. Elliptical Fourier and Procrustes-based semilandmark analyses were used to analyze the variation and covariation patterns of the limb bud shape with the expression patterns of two relevant genes for limb morphogenesis, Hoxa11 and Hoxa13. We devised a multiple thresholding method to semiautomatically segment gene domains at several expression levels in large samples of limb buds from C57Bl6 mouse embryos between 10 and 12 postfertilization days. Besides providing an accurate phenotyping tool to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of gene expression patterns within developing structures, our morphometric analyses revealed high, non-random, and gene-specific variation undergoing canalization during limb development. Our results demonstrate that Hoxa11 and Hoxa13, despite being paralogs with analogous functions in limb patterning, show clearly distinct dynamic patterns, both in shape and size, and are associated differently with the limb bud shape. The correspondence between our results and already well-established molecular processes underlying limb development confirms that this morphometric approach is a powerful tool to extract features of development regulating morphogenesis. Such multilevel analyses are promising in systems where not so much molecular information is available and will advance our understanding of the genotype–phenotype map. In systematics, this knowledge will increase our ability to infer how evolution modified a common developmental pattern to generate a wide diversity of morphologies, as in the vertebrate limb. PMID:26377442

Solar occultation images analysis using Zernike polynomials ­— an ALTIUS imaging spectrometer application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dekemper, Emmanuel; Fussen, Didier; Loodts, Nicolas; Neefs, Eddy

The ALTIUS (Atmospheric Limb Tracker for the Investigation of the Upcoming Stratosphere) instrument is a major project of the Belgian Institute for Space Aeronomy (BIRA-IASB) in Brussels, Belgium. It has been designed to profit from the benefits of the limb scattering ge-ometry (vertical resolution, global coverage,...), while providing better accuracy on the tangent height knowledge than classical "knee" methods used by scanning spectrometers. The optical concept is based on 3 AOTF's (UV-Vis-NIR) responsible for the instantaneous spectral filtering of the incoming image (complete FOV larger than 100km x 100km at tangent point), ranging from 250nm to 1800nm, with a moderate resolution of a few nm and a typical acquisition time of 1-10s per image. While the primary goal of the instrument is the measurement of ozone with a good vertical resolution, the ability to record full images of the limb can lead to other applications, like solar occultations. With a pixel FOV of 200rad, the full high-sun image is formed of 45x45 pixels, which is sufficient for pattern recognition using moments analysis for instance. The Zernike polynomials form a complete othogonal set of functions over the unit circle. It is well suited for images showing circular shape. Any such image can then be decomposed into a finite set of weighted polynomials, the weighting is called the moments. Due to atmospheric refraction, the sun shape is modified during apparent sunsets and sunrises. The sun appears more flattened which leads to a modification of its zernike moment description. A link between the pressure or the temperature profile (equivalent to air density through the perfect gas law and the hydrostatic equation) and the Zernike moments of a given image can then be made and used to retrieve these atmospheric parameters, with the advantage that the whole sun is used and not only central or edge pixels. Some retrievals will be performed for different conditions and the feasibility of the method will be discussed.

The role of ventral and preventral organs as attachment sites for segmental limb muscles in Onychophora

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background The so-called ventral organs are amongst the most enigmatic structures in Onychophora (velvet worms). They were described as segmental, ectodermal thickenings in the onychophoran embryo, but the same term has also been applied to mid-ventral, cuticular structures in adults, although the relationship between the embryonic and adult ventral organs is controversial. In the embryo, these structures have been regarded as anlagen of segmental ganglia, but recent studies suggest that they are not associated with neural development. Hence, their function remains obscure. Moreover, their relationship to the anteriorly located preventral organs, described from several onychophoran species, is also unclear. To clarify these issues, we studied the anatomy and development of the ventral and preventral organs in several species of Onychophora. Results Our anatomical data, based on histology, and light, confocal and scanning electron microscopy in five species of Peripatidae and three species of Peripatopsidae, revealed that the ventral and preventral organs are present in all species studied. These structures are covered externally with cuticle that forms an internal, longitudinal, apodeme-like ridge. Moreover, phalloidin-rhodamine labelling for f-actin revealed that the anterior and posterior limb depressor muscles in each trunk and the slime papilla segment attach to the preventral and ventral organs, respectively. During embryonic development, the ventral and preventral organs arise as large segmental, paired ectodermal thickenings that decrease in size and are subdivided into the smaller, anterior anlagen of the preventral organs and the larger, posterior anlagen of the ventral organs, both of which persist as paired, medially-fused structures in adults. Our expression data of the genes Delta and Notch from embryos of Euperipatoides rowelli revealed that these genes are expressed in two, paired domains in each body segment, corresponding in number, position and size with the anlagen of the ventral and preventral organs. Conclusions Our findings suggest that the ventral and preventral organs are a common feature of onychophorans that serve as attachment sites for segmental limb depressor muscles. The origin of these structures can be traced back in the embryo as latero-ventral segmental, ectodermal thickenings, previously suggested to be associated with the development of the nervous system. PMID:24308783

Can We Achieve Intuitive Prosthetic Elbow Control Based on Healthy Upper Limb Motor Strategies?

PubMed Central

Merad, Manelle; de Montalivet, Étienne; Touillet, Amélie; Martinet, Noël; Roby-Brami, Agnès; Jarrassé, Nathanaël

2018-01-01

Most transhumeral amputees report that their prosthetic device lacks functionality, citing the control strategy as a major limitation. Indeed, they are required to control several degrees of freedom with muscle groups primarily used for elbow actuation. As a result, most of them choose to have a one-degree-of-freedom myoelectric hand for grasping objects, a myoelectric wrist for pronation/supination, and a body-powered elbow. Unlike healthy upper limb movements, the prosthetic elbow joint angle, adjusted prior to the motion, is not involved in the overall upper limb movements, causing the rest of the body to compensate for the lack of mobility of the prosthesis. A promising solution to improve upper limb prosthesis control exploits the residual limb mobility: like in healthy movements, shoulder and prosthetic elbow motions are coupled using inter-joint coordination models. The present study aims to test this approach. A transhumeral amputated individual used a prosthesis with a residual limb motion-driven elbow to point at targets. The prosthetic elbow motion was derived from IMU-based shoulder measurements and a generic model of inter-joint coordinations built from healthy individuals data. For comparison, the participant also performed the task while the prosthetic elbow was implemented with his own myoelectric control strategy. The results show that although the transhumeral amputated participant achieved the pointing task with a better precision when the elbow was myoelectrically-controlled, he had to develop large compensatory trunk movements. Automatic elbow control reduced trunk displacements, and enabled a more natural body behavior with synchronous shoulder and elbow motions. However, due to socket impairments, the residual limb amplitudes were not as large as those of healthy shoulder movements. Therefore, this work also investigates if a control strategy whereby prosthetic joints are automatized according to healthy individuals' coordination models can lead to an intuitive and natural prosthetic control. PMID:29456499

Survival outcomes of pediatric osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma: a comparison of surgery type within the SEER database, 1988-2007.

PubMed

Schrager, Justin; Patzer, Rachel E; Mink, Pamela J; Ward, Kevin C; Goodman, Michael

2011-01-01

Survival following diagnosis of pediatric Ewing's sarcoma or osteosarcoma is increasing in the United States, but whether survival differs between patients who receive limb salvage surgery compared to amputation has not been evaluated in nationally representative, population-based data. Multivariable-adjusted survival was calculated using Cox regression models among surgically treated pediatric (age <20) osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma patients with bone cancer of the limbs or joints reported to the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program during 1988-2007. Over half (66.3%) of the 890 osteosarcoma patients underwent limb salvage surgery. Five-year overall survival among patients who received limb salvage was 72.7% for osteosarcoma patients and 71.8% for Ewing's sarcoma patients. Among patients who received amputation, 5-year survival was 60.1% for osteosarcoma and 63.1% for Ewing's sarcoma patients. After multivariable adjustment, the mortality was 35% greater for amputation vs limb salvage (HR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.05-1.75). Among 165 Ewing's sarcoma patients, 73.9% underwent limb salvage (vs amputation), and the adjusted mortality was higher for patients receiving amputation, although results were not statistically significant (HR=1.61, 95% CI: 0.80-3.21). Limb salvage surgery (vs amputation) is associated with longer survival among pediatric patients with bone cancer of the limbs or joints. Patient and physician characteristics and the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy may play a role in surgery choice, but we were unable to control for these factors.

Measures of upper limb function for people with neck pain: a systematic review of measurement and practical properties (protocol).

PubMed

Alreni, Ahmad Salah Eldin; Harrop, Deborah; Gumber, Anil; McLean, Sionnadh

2015-04-07

Upper limb disability is a common musculoskeletal condition frequently associated with neck pain. Recent literature has reported the need to utilise validated upper limb outcome measures in the assessment and management of patients with neck pain. However, there is a lack of clear guidance about the suitability of available measures, which may impede utilisation. This review will identify all available measures of upper limb function developed for use in neck pain patients and evaluate their measurement and practical properties in order to identify those measures that are most appropriate for use in clinical practice and research. This review will be performed in two phases. Phase one will identify all measures used to assess upper limb function for patients with neck pain. Phase two will identify all available studies of the measurement and practical properties of identified instrument. The COnsensus-based Standards for selection of health Measurement INstrument (COSMIN) will be used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included studies. To ensure methodological rigour, the findings of this review will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guideline. Optimal management of patients with neck pain should incorporate upper limb rehabilitation. The findings of this study will assist clinicians who seek to utilise suitable and accurate measures to assess upper limb function for a patient with neck pain. In addition, the findings of this study may suggest new research directions to support the development of upper limb outcome measures for patients with neck pain. PROSPERO CRD42015016624.

Linear-hall sensor based force detecting unit for lower limb exoskeleton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Hongwu; Zhu, Yanhe; Zhao, Jie; Wang, Tianshuo; Zhang, Zongwei

2018-04-01

This paper describes a knee-joint human-machine interaction force sensor for lower-limb force-assistance exoskeleton. The structure is designed based on hall sensor and series elastic actuator (SEA) structure. The work we have done includes the structure design, the parameter determination and dynamic simulation. By converting the force signal into macro displacement and output voltage, we completed the measurement of man-machine interaction force. And it is proved by experiments that the design is simple, stable and low-cost.

Focal Dystonia in Hemiplegic Upper Limb: Favorable Effect of Cervical Microsurgical DREZotomy Involving the Ventral Horn - A Report of 3 Patients.

PubMed

Sindou, Marc; Georgoulis, George

2016-01-01

Focal dystonia in hemiplegic upper limbs is poorly responsive to medications or classical neurosurgical treatments. Only repeated botulinum toxin injections show efficacy, but in most severe cases effects are transient. Cervical DREZ lesioning, which has proven efficacious in hyperspasticity when done deeply (3-5 mm) in the dorsal horn, may have favorable effects on the dystonic component when performed down to, and including, the base of the ventral horn (5-6 mm in depth). Three patients underwent deep cervical microsurgical DREZotomy (MDT) for focal dystonia in the upper limb. Hypertonia was reduced, and sustained dystonic postures were suppressed. Residual motor function (hidden behind hypertonia) came to the surface. Cervical MDT may be a useful armamentarium for treating refractory focal dystonia in the upper limb. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Global cloud top height retrieval using SCIAMACHY limb spectra: model studies and first results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichmann, Kai-Uwe; Lelli, Luca; von Savigny, Christian; Sembhi, Harjinder; Burrows, John P.

2016-03-01

Cloud top heights (CTHs) are retrieved for the period 1 January 2003 to 7 April 2012 using height-resolved limb spectra measured with the SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCIAMACHY) on board ENVISAT (ENVIronmental SATellite). In this study, we present the retrieval code SCODA (SCIAMACHY cloud detection algorithm) based on a colour index method and test the accuracy of the retrieved CTHs in comparison to other methods. Sensitivity studies using the radiative transfer model SCIATRAN show that the method is capable of detecting cloud tops down to about 5 km and very thin cirrus clouds up to the tropopause. Volcanic particles can be detected that occasionally reach the lower stratosphere. Upper tropospheric ice clouds are observable for a nadir cloud optical thickness (COT) ≥ 0.01, which is in the subvisual range. This detection sensitivity decreases towards the lowermost troposphere. The COT detection limit for a water cloud top height of 5 km is roughly 0.1. This value is much lower than thresholds reported for passive cloud detection methods in nadir-viewing direction. Low clouds at 2 to 3 km can only be retrieved under very clean atmospheric conditions, as light scattering of aerosol particles interferes with the cloud particle scattering. We compare co-located SCIAMACHY limb and nadir cloud parameters that are retrieved with the Semi-Analytical CloUd Retrieval Algorithm (SACURA). Only opaque clouds (τN,c > 5) are detected with the nadir passive retrieval technique in the UV-visible and infrared wavelength ranges. Thus, due to the frequent occurrence of thin clouds and subvisual cirrus clouds in the tropics, larger CTH deviations are detected between both viewing geometries. Zonal mean CTH differences can be as high as 4 km in the tropics. The agreement in global cloud fields is sufficiently good. However, the land-sea contrast, as seen in nadir cloud occurrence frequency distributions, is not observed in limb geometry. Co-located cloud top height measurements of the limb-viewing Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS) on ENVISAT are compared for the period from January 2008 to March 2012. The global CTH agreement of about 1 km is observed, which is smaller than the vertical field of view of both instruments. Lower stratospheric aerosols from volcanic eruptions occasionally interfere with the cloud retrieval and inhibit the detection of tropospheric clouds. The aerosol impact on cloud retrievals was studied for the volcanoes Kasatochi (August 2008), Sarychev Peak (June 2009), and Nabro (June 2011). Long-lasting aerosol scattering is detected after these events in the Northern Hemisphere for heights above 12.5 km in tropical and polar latitudes. Aerosol top heights up to about 22 km are found in 2009 and the enhanced lower stratospheric aerosol layer persisted for about 7 months. In August 2009 about 82 % of the lower stratosphere between 30 and 70° N was filled with scattering particles and nearly 50 % in October 2008.

Limb Bone Structural Proportions and Locomotor Behavior in A.L. 288-1 ("Lucy").

PubMed

Ruff, Christopher B; Burgess, M Loring; Ketcham, Richard A; Kappelman, John

2016-01-01

While there is broad agreement that early hominins practiced some form of terrestrial bipedality, there is also evidence that arboreal behavior remained a part of the locomotor repertoire in some taxa, and that bipedal locomotion may not have been identical to that of modern humans. It has been difficult to evaluate such evidence, however, because of the possibility that early hominins retained primitive traits (such as relatively long upper limbs) of little contemporaneous adaptive significance. Here we examine bone structural properties of the femur and humerus in the Australopithecus afarensis A.L. 288-1 ("Lucy", 3.2 Myr) that are known to be developmentally plastic, and compare them with other early hominins, modern humans, and modern chimpanzees. Cross-sectional images were obtained from micro-CT scans of the original specimens and used to derive section properties of the diaphyses, as well as superior and inferior cortical thicknesses of the femoral neck. A.L. 288-1 shows femoral/humeral diaphyseal strength proportions that are intermediate between those of modern humans and chimpanzees, indicating more mechanical loading of the forelimb than in modern humans, and by implication, a significant arboreal locomotor component. Several features of the proximal femur in A.L. 288-1 and other australopiths, including relative femoral head size, distribution of cortical bone in the femoral neck, and cross-sectional shape of the proximal shaft, support the inference of a bipedal gait pattern that differed slightly from that of modern humans, involving more lateral deviation of the body center of mass over the support limb, which would have entailed increased cost of terrestrial locomotion. There is also evidence consistent with increased muscular strength among australopiths in both the forelimb and hind limb, possibly reflecting metabolic trade-offs between muscle and brain development during hominin evolution. Together these findings imply significant differences in both locomotor behavior and ecology between australopiths and later Homo.

Convective blueshifts in the solar atmosphere. I. Absolute measurements with LARS of the spectral lines at 6302 Å

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Löhner-Böttcher, J.; Schmidt, W.; Stief, F.; Steinmetz, T.; Holzwarth, R.

2018-03-01

Context. The solar convection manifests as granulation and intergranulation at the solar surface. In the photosphere, convective motions induce differential Doppler shifts to spectral lines. The observed convective blueshift varies across the solar disk. Aim. We focus on the impact of solar convection on the atmosphere and aim to resolve its velocity stratification in the photosphere. Methods: We performed high-resolution spectroscopic observations of the solar spectrum in the 6302 Å range with the Laser Absolute Reference Spectrograph at the Vacuum Tower Telescope. A laser frequency comb enabled the calibration of the spectra to an absolute wavelength scale with an accuracy of 1 m s-1. We systematically scanned the quiet Sun from the disk center to the limb at ten selected heliocentric positions. The analysis included 99 time sequences of up to 20 min in length. By means of ephemeris and reference corrections, we translated wavelength shifts into absolute line-of-sight velocities. A bisector analysis on the line profiles yielded the shapes and convective shifts of seven photospheric lines. Results: At the disk center, the bisector profiles of the iron lines feature a pronounced C-shape with maximum convective blueshifts of up to -450 m s-1 in the spectral line wings. Toward the solar limb, the bisectors change into a "\\"-shape with a saturation in the line core at a redshift of +100 m s-1. The center-to-limb variation of the line core velocities shows a slight increase in blueshift when departing the disk center for larger heliocentric angles. This increase in blueshift is more pronounced for the magnetically less active meridian than for the equator. Toward the solar limb, the blueshift decreases and can turn into a redshift. In general, weaker lines exhibit stronger blueshifts. Conclusions: Best spectroscopic measurements enabled the accurate determination of absolute convective shifts in the solar photosphere. We convolved the results to lower spectral resolution to permit a comparison with observations from other instruments.

Results of the IRIS UV Burst Survey, Part I: Active Regions Tracked Limb to Limb

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madsen, C. A.; DeLuca, E.

2017-12-01

We present results from the first phase of an effort to thoroughly characterize UV bursts within the Interface Region Imaging Spectrograph (IRIS) data catalogue. The observational signatures of these phenomena include dramatically intensified and broadened NUV/FUV emission line profiles with absorption features from cool metallic ions. These properties suggest that UV bursts originate from plasma at transition region temperatures (≥ 80,000 K) which is deeply embedded in the cool lower chromosphere ( 5,000 K). Rigorously characterizing the energetic and dynamical properties of UV bursts is crucial since they have considerable potential to heat active region chromospheres and could provide critical constraints for models of magnetic reconnection in these regions. The survey first focuses on IRIS observations of active regions tracked from limb to limb. All observations consist of large field-of-view raster scans of 320 or 400 steps each, which allow for widespread detection of many burst profiles at the expense of having limited short-term time evolution information. We detect bursts efficiently by applying a semi-automated single-Gaussian fitting technique to Si IV 1393.8 Å emission profiles that isolates the distinct burst population in a 4-D parameter space. The robust sample of NUV/FUV burst spectra allows for precise constraints of properties critical for modeling reconnection in the chromosphere, including outflow kinetic energy, density estimates from intensity ratios of Si IV 1402.8 Å and O IV 1401.2 Å emission lines, and coincident measures of emission in other wavelengths. We also track burst properties throughout the lifetimes of their host active regions, noting changes in detection rate and preferential location as the active regions evolve. Finally, the tracked active region observations provide a unique opportunity to investigate line-of-sight effects on observed UV burst spectral properties, particularly the strength of Ni II 1393.3 Å absorption, a feature that may be important in identifying the upward conduction of burst thermal energy through the chromosphere.

Limb Bone Structural Proportions and Locomotor Behavior in A.L. 288-1 ("Lucy")

PubMed Central

Ruff, Christopher B.; Burgess, M. Loring; Ketcham, Richard A.; Kappelman, John

2016-01-01

While there is broad agreement that early hominins practiced some form of terrestrial bipedality, there is also evidence that arboreal behavior remained a part of the locomotor repertoire in some taxa, and that bipedal locomotion may not have been identical to that of modern humans. It has been difficult to evaluate such evidence, however, because of the possibility that early hominins retained primitive traits (such as relatively long upper limbs) of little contemporaneous adaptive significance. Here we examine bone structural properties of the femur and humerus in the Australopithecus afarensis A.L. 288–1 ("Lucy", 3.2 Myr) that are known to be developmentally plastic, and compare them with other early hominins, modern humans, and modern chimpanzees. Cross-sectional images were obtained from micro-CT scans of the original specimens and used to derive section properties of the diaphyses, as well as superior and inferior cortical thicknesses of the femoral neck. A.L. 288–1 shows femoral/humeral diaphyseal strength proportions that are intermediate between those of modern humans and chimpanzees, indicating more mechanical loading of the forelimb than in modern humans, and by implication, a significant arboreal locomotor component. Several features of the proximal femur in A.L. 288–1 and other australopiths, including relative femoral head size, distribution of cortical bone in the femoral neck, and cross-sectional shape of the proximal shaft, support the inference of a bipedal gait pattern that differed slightly from that of modern humans, involving more lateral deviation of the body center of mass over the support limb, which would have entailed increased cost of terrestrial locomotion. There is also evidence consistent with increased muscular strength among australopiths in both the forelimb and hind limb, possibly reflecting metabolic trade-offs between muscle and brain development during hominin evolution. Together these findings imply significant differences in both locomotor behavior and ecology between australopiths and later Homo. PMID:27902687

The Society for Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Threatened Limb Classification System: risk stratification based on wound, ischemia, and foot infection (WIfI).

PubMed

Mills, Joseph L; Conte, Michael S; Armstrong, David G; Pomposelli, Frank B; Schanzer, Andres; Sidawy, Anton N; Andros, George

2014-01-01

Critical limb ischemia, first defined in 1982, was intended to delineate a subgroup of patients with a threatened lower extremity primarily because of chronic ischemia. It was the intent of the original authors that patients with diabetes be excluded or analyzed separately. The Fontaine and Rutherford Systems have been used to classify risk of amputation and likelihood of benefit from revascularization by subcategorizing patients into two groups: ischemic rest pain and tissue loss. Due to demographic shifts over the last 40 years, especially a dramatic rise in the incidence of diabetes mellitus and rapidly expanding techniques of revascularization, it has become increasingly difficult to perform meaningful outcomes analysis for patients with threatened limbs using these existing classification systems. Particularly in patients with diabetes, limb threat is part of a broad disease spectrum. Perfusion is only one determinant of outcome; wound extent and the presence and severity of infection also greatly impact the threat to a limb. Therefore, the Society for Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Guidelines Committee undertook the task of creating a new classification of the threatened lower extremity that reflects these important considerations. We term this new framework, the Society for Vascular Surgery Lower Extremity Threatened Limb Classification System. Risk stratification is based on three major factors that impact amputation risk and clinical management: Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI). The implementation of this classification system is intended to permit more meaningful analysis of outcomes for various forms of therapy in this challenging, but heterogeneous population. Copyright © 2014 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Strength Asymmetry and Landing Mechanics at Return to Sport after ACL Reconstruction

PubMed Central

Schmitt, Laura C.; Paterno, Mark V.; Ford, Kevin R.; Myer, Gregory D.; Hewett, Timothy E.

2014-01-01

Purpose Evidence-based quadriceps femoris muscle (QF) strength guidelines for return to sport following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction are lacking. This study investigated the impact of QF strength asymmetry on knee landing biomechanics at the time of return to sport following ACL reconstruction. Methods Seventy-seven individuals (17.4 years) at the time of return to sport following primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR group) and 47 uninjured control individuals (17.0 years) (CTRL group) participated. QF strength was assessed and Quadriceps Index calculated (QI = [involved strength/uninvolved strength]*100%). The ACLR group was sub-divided based on QI: High Quadriceps (HQ, QI≥90%) and Low-Quadriceps (LQ, QI<85%). Knee kinematic and kinetic variables were collected during a drop vertical jump maneuver. Limb symmetry during landing, and discrete variables were compared among the groups with multivariate analysis of variance and linear regression analyses. Results The LQ group demonstrated worse asymmetry in all kinetic and ground reaction force variables compared to the HQ and CTRL groups, including reduced involved limb peak knee external flexion moments (p<.001), reduced involved limb (p=.003) and increased uninvolved limb (p=.005) peak vertical ground reaction forces, and higher uninvolved limb peak loading rates (p<.004). There were no differences in the landing patterns between the HQ and CTRL groups on any variable (p>.05). In the ACLR group, QF strength estimated limb symmetry during landing after controlling for graft type, meniscus injury, knee pain and symptoms. Conclusion At the time of return to sport, individuals post-ACL reconstruction with weaker QF demonstrate altered landing patterns. Conversely, those with nearly symmetrical QF strength demonstrate landing patterns similar to uninjured individuals. Consideration of an objective QF strength measure may aid clinical decision-making to optimize sports participation following ACL reconstruction. PMID:25373481

Computer-aided training sensorimotor cortex functions in humans before the upper limb transplantation using virtual reality and sensory feedback.

PubMed

Kurzynski, Marek; Jaskolska, Anna; Marusiak, Jaroslaw; Wolczowski, Andrzej; Bierut, Przemyslaw; Szumowski, Lukasz; Witkowski, Jerzy; Kisiel-Sajewicz, Katarzyna

2017-08-01

One of the biggest problems of upper limb transplantation is lack of certainty as to whether a patient will be able to control voluntary movements of transplanted hands. Based on findings of the recent research on brain cortex plasticity, a premise can be drawn that mental training supported with visual and sensory feedback can cause structural and functional reorganization of the sensorimotor cortex, which leads to recovery of function associated with the control of movements performed by the upper limbs. In this study, authors - based on the above observations - propose the computer-aided training (CAT) system, which generating visual and sensory stimuli, should enhance the effectiveness of mental training applied to humans before upper limb transplantation. The basis for the concept of computer-aided training system is a virtual hand whose reaching and grasping movements the trained patient can observe on the VR headset screen (visual feedback) and whose contact with virtual objects the patient can feel as a touch (sensory feedback). The computer training system is composed of three main components: (1) the system generating 3D virtual world in which the patient sees the virtual limb from the perspective as if it were his/her own hand; (2) sensory feedback transforming information about the interaction of the virtual hand with the grasped object into mechanical vibration; (3) the therapist's panel for controlling the training course. Results of the case study demonstrate that mental training supported with visual and sensory stimuli generated by the computer system leads to a beneficial change of the brain activity related to motor control of the reaching in the patient with bilateral upper limb congenital transverse deficiency. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Neural Network-Based Gait Phase Classification Method Using Sensors Equipped on Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robots

PubMed Central

Jung, Jun-Young; Heo, Wonho; Yang, Hyundae; Park, Hyunsub

2015-01-01

An exact classification of different gait phases is essential to enable the control of exoskeleton robots and detect the intentions of users. We propose a gait phase classification method based on neural networks using sensor signals from lower limb exoskeleton robots. In such robots, foot sensors with force sensing registers are commonly used to classify gait phases. We describe classifiers that use the orientation of each lower limb segment and the angular velocities of the joints to output the current gait phase. Experiments to obtain the input signals and desired outputs for the learning and validation process are conducted, and two neural network methods (a multilayer perceptron and nonlinear autoregressive with external inputs (NARX)) are used to develop an optimal classifier. Offline and online evaluations using four criteria are used to compare the performance of the classifiers. The proposed NARX-based method exhibits sufficiently good performance to replace foot sensors as a means of classifying gait phases. PMID:26528986

A Neural Network-Based Gait Phase Classification Method Using Sensors Equipped on Lower Limb Exoskeleton Robots.

PubMed

Jung, Jun-Young; Heo, Wonho; Yang, Hyundae; Park, Hyunsub

2015-10-30

An exact classification of different gait phases is essential to enable the control of exoskeleton robots and detect the intentions of users. We propose a gait phase classification method based on neural networks using sensor signals from lower limb exoskeleton robots. In such robots, foot sensors with force sensing registers are commonly used to classify gait phases. We describe classifiers that use the orientation of each lower limb segment and the angular velocities of the joints to output the current gait phase. Experiments to obtain the input signals and desired outputs for the learning and validation process are conducted, and two neural network methods (a multilayer perceptron and nonlinear autoregressive with external inputs (NARX)) are used to develop an optimal classifier. Offline and online evaluations using four criteria are used to compare the performance of the classifiers. The proposed NARX-based method exhibits sufficiently good performance to replace foot sensors as a means of classifying gait phases.

Molecular anatomy of the developing limb in the coquí frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui.

PubMed

Gross, Joshua B; Kerney, Ryan; Hanken, James; Tabin, Clifford J

2011-01-01

The vertebrate limb demonstrates remarkable similarity in basic organization across phylogenetically disparate groups. To gain further insight into how this morphological similarity is maintained in different developmental contexts, we explored the molecular anatomy of size-reduced embryos of the Puerto Rican coquí frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui. This animal demonstrates direct development, a life-history strategy marked by rapid progression from egg to adult and absence of a free-living, aquatic larva. Nonetheless, coquí exhibits a basal anuran limb structure, with four toes on the forelimb and five toes on the hind limb. We investigated the extent to which coquí limb bud development conforms to the model of limb development derived from amniote studies. Toward this end, we characterized dynamic patterns of expression for 13 critical patterning genes across three principle stages of limb development. As expected, most genes demonstrate expression patterns that are essentially unchanged compared to amniote species. For example, we identified an EcFgf8-expression domain within the apical ectodermal ridge (AER). This expression pattern defines a putatively functional AER signaling domain, despite the absence of a morphological ridge in coquí embryos. However, two genes, EcMeis2 and EcAlx4, demonstrate altered domains of expression, which imply a potential shift in gene function between coquí frogs and amniote model systems. Unexpectedly, several genes thought to be critical for limb patterning in other systems, including EcFgf4, EcWnt3a, EcWnt7a, and EcGremlin, demonstrated no evident expression pattern in the limb at the three stages we analyzed. The absence of EcFgf4 and EcWnt3a expression during limb patterning is perhaps not surprising, given that neither gene is critical for proper limb development in the mouse, based on knockout and expression analyses. In contrast, absence of EcWnt7a and EcGremlin is surprising, given that expression of these molecules appears to be absolutely essential in all other model systems so far examined. Although this analysis substantiates the existence of a core set of ancient limb-patterning molecules, which likely mediate identical functions across highly diverse vertebrate forms, it also reveals remarkable evolutionary flexibility in the genetic control of a conserved morphological pattern across evolutionary time. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

[Domestic external fixator application in the treatment of limb deformities: 7 289 cases application report].

PubMed

Qin, S H; Guo, B F; Zheng, X J; Jiao, S F; Xia, H T; Peng, A M; Pan, Q; Zang, J C; Wang, Z J

2017-09-01

Objective: To discuss the clinical application and effects of domestic external fixator in the treatment of patients with malformations of limbs. Methods: A total of 7 289 patients with malformation of limbs who had been operated in Qin Sihe orthopedic surgery team from January 1989 to June 2016 were retrospective analyzed. The patients were treated with domestic external fixator, including 4 033 males and 3 256 females, aging from 2 to 82 years with a mean age of 23.4 years. There were 2 732 patients using Ilizarov external fixator, 4 713 patients using hybrid external fixator, 57 patients using monobrachial external fixator, 232 patients using Ilizarov external fixator and hybrid external fixator. The Ilizarov, hybrid and monobrachial external fixator were used in 67, 65 and 0 patients on the upper limbs and in 2 665, 4 616 and 57 patients on the lower limbs. There were 3 028 patients operated on the left limbs, 3 260 patients operated on the right limbs and 1 001 patients operated on the bilateral limbs. The top three types of diseases were sequelae of poliomyelitis, cerebral palsy and post-traumatic stress disorder peromely. Deformity types inclued talipes equinovarus, knee flexion deformity, cavus foot and so on. Results: All the patients were followed up for a period of 2.5 months to 22.4 years, with an average follow-up time of 5.4 years. All of the external fixators were used for single once, and there was no substitute for external fixator quality problem. All the patients were completed surgery goal until removing external fixation except 1 patient gave up treatment and 1 removed the fixator because of metal allergy. The common complications included wire or pin infection and joint movement limitation and so on. Conclusions: The domestic external fixator developed and produced based on the characteristics of Chinese limb deformity disability. The domestic external fixator can be used to treat kinds of limb deformities with the advantages of practical, economical, adjustable, universal and portable. The domestic external fixator could meet the clinical demand for fixation of the osteotomy end of the limbs, the correction of the deformity, the repair of the defects and the limb lengthening.

The New Horizons Radio Science Experiment: Expected Performance in Measurements of Pluto's Atmospheric Structure, Surface Pressure, and Surface Temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hinson, D. P.; Linscott, I.; Woods, W. W.; Tyler, G. L.; Bird, M. K.; Paetzold, M.; Strobel, D. F.

2014-12-01

The New Horizons (NH) payload includes a Radio Science Experiment (REX) for investigating key characteristics of Pluto and Charon during the upcoming flyby in July 2015. REX flight equipment augments the NH radio transceiver used for spacecraft communications and tracking. The REX hardware implementation requires 1.6 W and 160 g. This presentation will focus on the final design and the predicted performance of two high-priority observations. First, REX will receive signals from a pair of 70-m antennas on Earth - each transmitting 20 kW at 4.2-cm wavelength - during a diametric radio occultation by Pluto. The data recorded by REX will reveal the surface pressure, the temperature structure of the lower atmosphere, and the surface radius. Second, REX will measure the thermal emission from Pluto at 4.2-cm wavelength during two linear scans across the disk at close range when both the dayside and the nightside are visible, allowing the surface temperature and its spatial variations to be determined. Both scans extend from limb to limb with a resolution of about 10 pixels; one bisects Pluto whereas the second crosses the winter pole. We will illustrate the capabilities of REX by reviewing the method of analysis and the precision achieved in a lunar occultation observed by New Horizons in May 2011. Re-analysis of radio occultation measurements by Voyager 2 at Triton is also under way. More generally, REX objectives include a radio occultation search for Pluto's ionosphere; examination of Charon through both radio occultation and radiometry; a search for a radar echo from Pluto's surface; and improved knowledge of the Pluto system mass and the Pluto-Charon mass ratio from a combination of two-way and one-way Doppler frequency measurements.

[Comprehensive outpatient treatment of varicose disease of the lower limbs].

PubMed

Gavrilov, V A; Chabbarov, R G; Piatnitskiĭ, A G; Khvorostukhin, V S

2008-01-01

The article deals with the findings obtained in examining a total of 8,000 people presenting with varicose disease of the lower extremities. The examination included a clinical (physical) examination and coloured duplex scanning of the lower-limb veins. The examination was carried out in outpatient conditions, whereas surgical treatment was performed either out-patiently, or at a hospital. Revealing complete valvular insufficiency of the great saphenous vein was followed by surgical treatment - intraoperative stem catheter scleroobliteration (SSO) or short-term screening and postoperative puncture sclerotherapy. Detecting partial valvular insufficiency of the greater saphenous vein (pathological sapheno-femoral reflux only in the vertical position) was managed by applying the principle of the so-called : i. e. the patients were subjected to the procedure of puncture sclerotherapy of varicose veins on the crus in ambulatory conditions to be followed by secondary ultrasonographic scanning with permanent dynamic follow-up. The cases of preserved reflux along the greater saphenous vein were subjected to sclerosurgical management. Valvular insufficiency of perforating veins was coped with by minimally invasive surgical interventions: subtotal endoscopic dissection of incompetent perforating veins, suprafascial ligation from a miniaccess and echosclerotherapy of the perforating veins. Also performed were histological and histochemical studies of the portions the greater saphenous vein and surrounding tissues procured during cross-ectomy of the sapheno-femoral anastomosis in 43 patients, who had endured preliminary puncture sclerotherapy on the crus. Good functional and cosmetically pleasing outcomes were achieved in the majority of cases. In 75% of the patients with partial valvular insufficiency of the greater saphenous vein, we managed to avoid operations since repeat ultrasonographic study revealed no pathological veno-venous shunts.

Comparison of radiation dose, workflow, patient comfort and financial break-even of standard digital radiography and a novel biplanar low-dose X-ray system for upright full-length lower limb and whole spine radiography.

PubMed

Dietrich, Tobias J; Pfirrmann, Christian W A; Schwab, Alexander; Pankalla, Katja; Buck, Florian M

2013-07-01

To compare the radiation dose, workflow, patient comfort, and financial break-even of a standard digital radiography and a biplanar low-dose X-ray system. A standard digital radiography system (Ysio, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) was compared with a biplanar X-ray unit (EOS, EOS imaging, Paris, France) consisting of two X-ray tubes and slot-scanning detectors, arranged at an angle of 90° allowing simultaneous vertical biplanar linear scanning in the upright patient position. We compared data of standing full-length lower limb radiographs and whole spine radiographs of both X-ray systems. Dose-area product was significantly lower for radiographs of the biplanar X-ray system than for the standard digital radiography system (e.g. whole spine radiographs; standard digital radiography system: 392.2 ± 231.7 cGy*cm(2) versus biplanar X-ray system: 158.4 ± 103.8 cGy*cm(2)). The mean examination time was significantly shorter for biplanar radiographs compared with standard digital radiographs (e.g. whole spine radiographs: 449 s vs 248 s). Patients' comfort regarding noise was significantly higher for the standard digital radiography system. The financial break-even point was 2,602 radiographs/year for the standard digital radiography system compared with 4,077 radiographs/year for the biplanar X-ray unit. The biplanar X-ray unit reduces radiation exposure and increases subjective noise exposure to patients. The biplanar X-ray unit demands a higher number of examinations per year for the financial break-even point, despite the lower labour cost per examination due to the shorter examination time.

Mental health and satisfaction with life among upper limb amputees: a Norwegian population-based survey comparing adult acquired major upper limb amputees with a control group.

PubMed

Østlie, Kristin; Magnus, Per; Skjeldal, Ola H; Garfelt, Beate; Tambs, Kristian

2011-01-01

To assess how upper limb amputation affects mental health and life satisfaction. Cross-sectional study comparing the mental health and perceived satisfaction with life among adult acquired major upper limb amputees in Norway with a control group drawn from the Norwegian general population. The scales used were the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) and the Hopkins Symptom Check List 25-item (SCL-25). The groups were compared using multiple linear regression analyses. The amputees scored significantly lower on life satisfaction than the control group. A tendency to poorer mental health in the amputee group was observed, but there was no clear evidence of such a difference. The amputation effect on life satisfaction seemed to be mediated mainly by changes in occupational status and by the occurrence of short- or long-term complications related to the amputation. Our findings imply that rehabilitation of upper limb amputees should emphasise facilitating return to work as well as the prevention of short- and long-term complications, and that this will be of importance not only for the amputees' physical function, but for the maintenance of acceptable life satisfaction. Further studies on the effect of upper limb amputation on mental health are recommended.

Analyzing at-home prosthesis use in unilateral upper-limb amputees to inform treatment & device design.

PubMed

Spiers, Adam J; Resnik, Linda; Dollar, Aaron M

2017-07-01

New upper limb prosthetic devices are continuously being developed by a variety of industrial, academic, and hobbyist groups. Yet, little research has evaluated the long term use of currently available prostheses in daily life activities, beyond laboratory or survey studies. We seek to objectively measure how experienced unilateral upper limb prosthesis-users employ their prosthetic devices and unaffected limb for manipulation during everyday activities. In particular, our goal is to create a method for evaluating all types of amputee manipulation, including non-prehensile actions beyond conventional grasp functions, as well as to examine the relative use of both limbs in unilateral and bilateral cases. This study employs a head-mounted video camera to record participant's hands and arms as they complete unstructured domestic tasks within their own homes. A new 'Unilateral Prosthesis-User Manipulation Taxonomy' is presented based observations from 10 hours of recorded videos. The taxonomy addresses manipulation actions of the intact hand, prostheses, bilateral activities, and environmental feature-use (aiïordances). Our preliminary results involved tagging 23 minute segments of the full videos from 3 amputee participants using the taxonomy. This resulted in over 2,300 tag instances. Observations included that non-prehensile interactions outnumbered prehensile interactions in the affected limb for users with more distal amputation that allowed arm mobility.

Skeletal muscle responses to unloading with special reference to man

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dudley, G. A.; Hather, B. M.; Buchanan, P.

1992-01-01

The limited space flight data suggest that exposure to microgravity decreases muscle strength in humans and muscle mass in lower mammals. Several earth-based models have been used to address the effect of unloading on the human neuromuscular system due to the limited access of biological research to long-term space flight. Bedrest eliminates body weight bearing of both lower limbs. Unilateral lower limb suspension (ULLS), where all ambulatory activity is performed on crutches with an elevated sole on the shoe of one foot, has recently been used to unload one lower limb. The results from studies using these two models support their efficacy. The decrease in strength of m. quadriceps femoris, for example, after four to six weeks of bedrest, ULLS or space flight is 20 to 25 percent. The results from the earth-based studies show that this response can be attributed in part to a decrease in the cross-sectional area of the KE which reflects muscle fiber atrophy. The results from the ground based studies also support the limited flight data and show that reductions in strength are larger in lower than upper limbs and in extensor than flexor muscle groups. They also raise issue with the generally held concept that postural muscle is most affected by unweighting. Slow-twitch fibers in lower limb muscles of mixed fiber type composition and muscle composed mainly of slow-twitch fibers do not preferentially atrophy after bedrest or ULLS. Taken together, the data suggest that unloading causes remarkable adaptations in the neuromuscular system of humans. It should be appreciated, however, that this area of research is in its infancy.

New limb-darkening coefficients for modeling binary star light curves

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Van Hamme, W.

1993-01-01

We present monochromatic, passband-specific, and bolometric limb-darkening coefficients for a linear as well as nonlinear logarithmic and square root limb-darkening laws. These coefficients, including the bolometric ones, are needed when modeling binary star light curves with the latest version of the Wilson-Devinney light curve progam. We base our calculations on the most recent ATLAS stellar atmosphere models for solar chemical composition stars with a wide range of effective temperatures and surface gravitites. We examine how well various limb-darkening approximations represent the variation of the emerging specific intensity across a stellar surface as computed according to the model. For binary star light curve modeling purposes, we propose the use of a logarithmic or a square root law. We design our tables in such a manner that the relative quality of either law with respect to another can be easily compared. Since the computation of bolometric limb-darkening coefficients first requires monochromatic coefficients, we also offer tables of these coefficients (at 1221 wavelength values between 9.09 nm and 160 micrometer) and tables of passband-specific coefficients for commonly used photometric filters.

DTI and VBM reveal white matter changes without associated gray matter changes in patients with idiopathic restless legs syndrome

PubMed Central

Belke, Marcus; Heverhagen, Johannes T; Keil, Boris; Rosenow, Felix; Oertel, Wolfgang H; Stiasny-Kolster, Karin; Knake, Susanne; Menzler, Katja

2015-01-01

Background and Purpose We evaluated cerebral white and gray matter changes in patients with iRLS in order to shed light on the pathophysiology of this disease. Methods Twelve patients with iRLS were compared to 12 age- and sex-matched controls using whole-head diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) techniques. Evaluation of the DTI scans included the voxelwise analysis of the fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and axial diffusivity (AD). Results Diffusion tensor imaging revealed areas of altered FA in subcortical white matter bilaterally, mainly in temporal regions as well as in the right internal capsule, the pons, and the right cerebellum. These changes overlapped with changes in RD. Voxel-based morphometry did not reveal any gray matter alterations. Conclusions We showed altered diffusion properties in several white matter regions in patients with iRLS. White matter changes could mainly be attributed to changes in RD, a parameter thought to reflect altered myelination. Areas with altered white matter microstructure included areas in the internal capsule which include the corticospinal tract to the lower limbs, thereby supporting studies that suggest changes in sensorimotor pathways associated with RLS. PMID:26442748

Nonstationary EO/IR Clutter Suppression and Dim Object Tracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tartakovsky, A.; Brown, A.; Brown, J.

2010-09-01

We develop and evaluate the performance of advanced algorithms which provide significantly improved capabilities for automated detection and tracking of ballistic and flying dim objects in the presence of highly structured intense clutter. Applications include ballistic missile early warning, midcourse tracking, trajectory prediction, and resident space object detection and tracking. The set of algorithms include, in particular, adaptive spatiotemporal clutter estimation-suppression and nonlinear filtering-based multiple-object track-before-detect. These algorithms are suitable for integration into geostationary, highly elliptical, or low earth orbit scanning or staring sensor suites, and are based on data-driven processing that adapts to real-world clutter backgrounds, including celestial, earth limb, or terrestrial clutter. In many scenarios of interest, e.g., for highly elliptic and, especially, low earth orbits, the resulting clutter is highly nonstationary, providing a significant challenge for clutter suppression to or below sensor noise levels, which is essential for dim object detection and tracking. We demonstrate the success of the developed algorithms using semi-synthetic and real data. In particular, our algorithms are shown to be capable of detecting and tracking point objects with signal-to-clutter levels down to 1/1000 and signal-to-noise levels down to 1/4.

Patient-directed therapy during in-patient stroke rehabilitation: stroke survivors' views of feasibility and acceptability.

PubMed

Horne, Maria; Thomas, Nessa; McCabe, Candy; Selles, Rudd; Vail, Andy; Tyrrell, Pippa; Tyson, Sarah

2015-01-01

Patient-led therapy, in which patients work outside therapy sessions without direct supervision, is a possible way to increase the amount of therapy stroke patients' receive without increasing staff demands. Here, we report patients' views of patient-led mirror therapy and lower limb exercises. 94 stroke survivors with upper and lower limb limitations at least 1-week post-stroke undertook 4 weeks of daily patient-led mirror therapy or lower limb exercise, then completed questionnaires regarding their experience and satisfaction. A convenience random sample of 20 participants also completed a semi-structured telephone interview to consider their experience in more detail and to capture their longer term impressions. Participants were generally positive about patient-led therapy. About 71% found it useful; 68% enjoyed it; 59% felt it "worked" and 88% would recommend it to other patients. Exercise was viewed more positively than the mirror therapy. Difficulties included arranging the equipment and their position, particularly for more severe strokes, loss of motivation and concerns about working unsupervised. Patient-led mirror therapy and lower limb exercises during in-patient rehabilitation is generally feasible and acceptable to patients but "light touch" supervision to deal with any problems, and strategies to maintain focus and motivation are needed. Implications for Rehabilitation Most stroke patients receive insufficient therapy to maximize recovery during rehabilitation. As increases in staffing are unlikely there is an imperative to find ways for patients to increase the amount of exercise and practice of functional tasks they undertake without increasing demands on staff. Patient-led therapy (also known as patient-directed therapy or independent practice), in which patients undertake exercises or functional tasks practice prescribed by a professional outside formal therapy sessions is one way of achieving this. It is widely used in community-based rehabilitation but is uncommon in hospital-based stroke care. We explored the feasibility and acceptability of two types of patient-led therapy during hospital-based stroke care; mirror therapy for the upper limb and exercises (without a mirror) for the lower limb. Here, we report patients' experiences of undertaking patient-led therapy. Patient-led mirror therapy and lower limb exercises during in-patient stroke rehabilitation is generally feasible and acceptable to patients but "light touch" supervision to deal with any problems, and strategies to maintain focus and motivation are needed.

Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy with Myoelectric Control for Treatment-resistant Phantom Limb Pain: Case Report.

PubMed

Chau, Brian; Phelan, Ivan; Ta, Phillip; Humbert, Sarah; Hata, Justin; Tran, Duc

2017-01-01

Objective: Phantom limb pain is a condition frequently experienced after amputation. One treatment for phantom limb pain is traditional mirror therapy, yet some patients do not respond to this intervention, and immersive virtual reality mirror therapy offers some potential advantages. We report the case of a patient with severe phantom limb pain following an upper limb amputation and successful treatment with therapy in a custom virtual reality environment. Methods: An interactive 3-D kitchen environment was developed based on the principles of mirror therapy to allow for control of virtual hands while wearing a motion-tracked, head-mounted virtual reality display. The patient used myoelectric control of a virtual hand as well as motion-tracking control in this setting for five therapy sessions. Pain scale measurements and subjective feedback was elicited at each session. Results: Analysis of the measured pain scales showed statistically significant decreases per session [Visual Analog Scale, Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Wong-Baker FACES pain scores decreased by 55 percent (p=0.0143), 60 percent (p=0.023), and 90 percent (p=0.0024), respectively]. Significant subjective pain relief persisting between sessions was also reported, as well as marked immersion within the virtual environments. On followup at six weeks, the patient noted continued decrease in phantom limb pain symptoms. Conclusions: Currently available immersive virtual reality technology with myolectric and motion tracking control may represent a possible therapy option for treatment-resistant phantom limb pain.

Immersive Virtual Reality Therapy with Myoelectric Control for Treatment-resistant Phantom Limb Pain: Case Report

PubMed Central

Phelan, Ivan; Ta, Phillip; Humbert, Sarah; Hata, Justin; Tran, Duc

2017-01-01

Objective: Phantom limb pain is a condition frequently experienced after amputation. One treatment for phantom limb pain is traditional mirror therapy, yet some patients do not respond to this intervention, and immersive virtual reality mirror therapy offers some potential advantages. We report the case of a patient with severe phantom limb pain following an upper limb amputation and successful treatment with therapy in a custom virtual reality environment. Methods: An interactive 3-D kitchen environment was developed based on the principles of mirror therapy to allow for control of virtual hands while wearing a motion-tracked, head-mounted virtual reality display. The patient used myoelectric control of a virtual hand as well as motion-tracking control in this setting for five therapy sessions. Pain scale measurements and subjective feedback was elicited at each session. Results: Analysis of the measured pain scales showed statistically significant decreases per session [Visual Analog Scale, Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and Wong-Baker FACES pain scores decreased by 55 percent (p=0.0143), 60 percent (p=0.023), and 90 percent (p=0.0024), respectively]. Significant subjective pain relief persisting between sessions was also reported, as well as marked immersion within the virtual environments. On followup at six weeks, the patient noted continued decrease in phantom limb pain symptoms. Conclusions: Currently available immersive virtual reality technology with myolectric and motion tracking control may represent a possible therapy option for treatment-resistant phantom limb pain. PMID:29616149

REACH: study protocol of a randomised trial of rehabilitation very early in congenital hemiplegia

PubMed Central

Boyd, Roslyn N; Ziviani, Jenny; Sakzewski, Leanne; Novak, Iona; Badawi, Nadia; Pannek, Kerstin; Elliott, Catherine; Greaves, Susan; Guzzetta, Andrea; Whittingham, Koa; Valentine, Jane; Morgan, Cathy; Wallen, Margaret; Eliasson, Ann-Christin; Findlay, Lisa; Ware, Robert; Fiori, Simona; Rose, Stephen

2017-01-01

Objectives Congenital hemiplegia is the most common form of cerebral palsy (CP). Children with unilateral CP show signs of upper limb asymmetry by 8 months corrected age (ca) but are frequently not referred to therapy until after 12 months ca. This study compares the efficacy of infant-friendly modified constraint-induced movement therapy (Baby mCIMT) to infant friendly bimanual therapy (Baby BIM) on upper limb, cognitive and neuroplasticity outcomes in a multisite randomised comparison trial. Methods and analysis 150 infants (75 in each group), aged between 3 and 6 months ca, with asymmetric brain injury and clinical signs of upper extremity asymmetry will be recruited. Children will be randomised centrally to receive equal doses of either Baby mCIMT or Baby BIM. Baby mCIMT comprises restraint of the unimpaired hand using a simple restraint (eg, glove, sock), combined with intensive parent implemented practice focusing on active use of the impaired hand in a play-based context. In contrast, Baby BIM promotes active play requiring both hands in a play-based context. Both interventions will be delivered by parents at home with monthly home visits and interim telecommunication support by study therapists. Assessments will be conducted at study entry; at 6, 12 months ca immediately postintervention (primary outcome) and 24 months ca (retention). The primary outcome will be the Mini-Assisting Hand Assessment. Secondary outcomes include the Bayley Scale for Infant and Toddler Development (cognitive and motor domains) and the Hand Assessment of Infants. A subset of children will undertake MRI scans at 24 months ca to evaluate brain lesion severity and brain (re)organisation after intervention. Ethics and dissemination Full ethical approvals for this study have been obtained from the relevant sites. The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications. Trial registration number Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12615000180516, Pre results. PMID:28928195

Computation Modeling of Limb-bud Dysmorphogenesis: Predicting Cellular Dynamics and Key Events in Developmental Toxicity with a Multicellular Systems Model (FutureToxII)

EPA Science Inventory

Congenital limb malformations are among the most frequent malformation occurs in humans, with a frequency of about 1 in 500 to 1 in 1000 human live births. ToxCast is profiling the bioactivity of thousands of chemicals based on high-throughput (HTS) and computational methods that...

Instrumented Measurement of Balance and Postural Control in Individuals with Lower Limb Amputation: A Critical Review

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jayakaran, Prasath; Johnson, Gillian M.; Sullivan, S. John; Nitz, Jennifer C.

2012-01-01

Measurement of balance and postural performance that underpins activities of daily living is important in the rehabilitation of individuals with a lower limb amputation (LLA), and there are a number of methods and strategies available for this purpose. To provide an evidence-based choice of approach, this review aims to critically review the tasks…

[Musculature of the pelvic limb of the American weasel (Mustela nigripes, Audubon and Bachman)].

PubMed

Bisaillon, A

1976-01-01

The origins and insertions of the muscles of the pelvic limb of the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) are illustrated and described. The results based on the dissection of two adult specimens are compared with those of other investigations on the myology of the Mustelids. The musculature of the pelvic limb of Mustela nigripes is substantially similar to that of other Mustelids investigated except for slight differences of individual muscles. The most obvious differences involve the tendons of the mm. fibularis longus, fibularis brevis and extensor digitalis lateralis. The tendon of the m. fibularis longus contains a small sesamoid bone.

How to use PRICE treatment for soft tissue injuries.

PubMed

Norton, Cormac

2016-08-24

Rationale and key points This article assists nurses to use the acronym PRICE (protection, rest, ice, compression and elevation) to guide the treatment of patients with uncomplicated soft tissue injuries to their upper or lower limbs. » Treatment of soft tissue injuries to limbs is important to reduce complications following injury, alleviate pain and ensure normal limb function is restored promptly. » Nurses should have an understanding of the rationale and evidence base supporting PRICE treatment of soft tissue injuries. » Providing accurate information to patients and carers about the management of soft tissue injuries and anticipated recovery time is an important aspect of treatment. » Further research is required to develop best practice in the treatment of soft tissue injuries. Reflective activity 'How to' articles can help you update your practice and ensure it remains evidence based. Apply this article to your practice. Reflect on and write a short account of: 1. How this article might change your practice when managing patients with soft tissue injuries to upper or lower limbs. 2. Positive elements of your current practice and those that could be enhanced. Subscribers can upload their reflective accounts at: rcni.com/portfolio.

Applications of Shape Memory Alloys for Neurology and Neuromuscular Rehabilitation

PubMed Central

Pittaccio, Simone; Garavaglia, Lorenzo; Ceriotti, Carlo; Passaretti, Francesca

2015-01-01

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are a very promising class of metallic materials that display interesting nonlinear properties, such as pseudoelasticity (PE), shape memory effect (SME) and damping capacity, due to high mechanical hysteresis and internal friction. Our group has applied SMA in the field of neuromuscular rehabilitation, designing some new devices based on the mentioned SMA properties: in particular, a new type of orthosis for spastic limb repositioning, which allows residual voluntary movement of the impaired limb and has no predetermined final target position, but follows and supports muscular elongation in a dynamic and compliant way. Considering patients in the sub-acute phase after a neurological lesion, and possibly bedridden, the paper presents a mobiliser for the ankle joint, which is designed exploiting the SME to provide passive exercise to the paretic lower limb. Two different SMA-based applications in the field of neuroscience are then presented, a guide and a limb mobiliser specially designed to be compatible with diagnostic instrumentations that impose rigid constraints in terms of electromagnetic compatibility and noise distortion. Finally, the paper discusses possible uses of these materials in the treatment of movement disorders, such as dystonia or hyperkinesia, where their dynamic characteristics can be advantageous. PMID:26023790

Real-time inverse kinematics for the upper limb: a model-based algorithm using segment orientations.

PubMed

Borbély, Bence J; Szolgay, Péter

2017-01-17

Model based analysis of human upper limb movements has key importance in understanding the motor control processes of our nervous system. Various simulation software packages have been developed over the years to perform model based analysis. These packages provide computationally intensive-and therefore off-line-solutions to calculate the anatomical joint angles from motion captured raw measurement data (also referred as inverse kinematics). In addition, recent developments in inertial motion sensing technology show that it may replace large, immobile and expensive optical systems with small, mobile and cheaper solutions in cases when a laboratory-free measurement setup is needed. The objective of the presented work is to extend the workflow of measurement and analysis of human arm movements with an algorithm that allows accurate and real-time estimation of anatomical joint angles for a widely used OpenSim upper limb kinematic model when inertial sensors are used for movement recording. The internal structure of the selected upper limb model is analyzed and used as the underlying platform for the development of the proposed algorithm. Based on this structure, a prototype marker set is constructed that facilitates the reconstruction of model-based joint angles using orientation data directly available from inertial measurement systems. The mathematical formulation of the reconstruction algorithm is presented along with the validation of the algorithm on various platforms, including embedded environments. Execution performance tables of the proposed algorithm show significant improvement on all tested platforms. Compared to OpenSim's Inverse Kinematics tool 50-15,000x speedup is achieved while maintaining numerical accuracy. The proposed algorithm is capable of real-time reconstruction of standardized anatomical joint angles even in embedded environments, establishing a new way for complex applications to take advantage of accurate and fast model-based inverse kinematics calculations.

An objective assessment of safety to drive in an upper limb cast.

PubMed

Stevenson, H L; Peterson, N; Talbot, C; Dalal, S; Watts, A C; Trail, I A

2013-03-01

Patients managed with upper limb cast immobilization often seek advice about driving. There is very little published data to assist in decision making, and advice given varies between healthcare professionals. There are no specific guidelines available from the UK Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Agency, police, or insurance companies. Evidence-based guidelines would enable clinicians to standardize the advice given to patients. Six individuals (three male, three female; mean age 36 years, range 27-43 years) were assessed by a mobility occupational therapist and driving standards agency examiner while completing a formal driving test in six different types of upper limb casts (above-elbow, below-elbow neutral, and below-elbow cast incorporating the thumb [Bennett's cast]) on both left and right sides. Of the 36 tests, participants passed 31 tests, suggesting that most people were able to safely drive with upper limb cast immobilization. However, driving in a left above-elbow cast was considered unsafe.

A wearable skin stretch haptic feedback device: Towards improving balance control in lower limb amputees.

PubMed

Husman, M A B; Maqbool, H F; Awad, M I; Abouhossein, A; Dehghani-Sanij, A A

2016-08-01

Haptic feedback to lower limb amputees is essential to maximize the functionality of a prosthetic device by providing information to the user about the interaction with the environment and the position of the prostheses in space. Severed sensory pathway and the absence of connection between the prosthesis and the Central Nervous System (CNS) after lower limb amputation reduces balance control, increases visual dependency and increases risk of falls among amputees. This work describes the design of a wearable haptic feedback device for lower limb amputees using lateral skin-stretch modality intended to serve as a feedback cue during ambulation. A feedback scheme was proposed based on gait event detection for possible real-time postural adjustment. Preliminary perceptual test with healthy subjects in static condition was carried out and the results indicated over 98% accuracy in determining stimuli location around the upper leg region, suggesting good perceptibility of the delivered stimuli.

Analysis of temporal dynamics in imagery during acute limb ischemia and reperfusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Irvine, John M.; Regan, John; Spain, Tammy A.; Caruso, Joseph D.; Rodriquez, Maricela; Luthra, Rajiv; Forsberg, Jonathon; Crane, Nicole J.; Elster, Eric

2014-03-01

Ischemia and reperfusion injuries present major challenges for both military and civilian medicine. Improved methods for assessing the effects and predicting outcome could guide treatment decisions. Specific issues related to ischemia and reperfusion injury can include complications arising from tourniquet use, such as microvascular leakage in the limb, loss of muscle strength and systemic failures leading to hypotension and cardiac failure. Better methods for assessing the viability of limbs/tissues during ischemia and reducing complications arising from reperfusion are critical to improving clinical outcomes for at-risk patients. The purpose of this research is to develop and assess possible prediction models of outcome for acute limb ischemia using a pre-clinical model. Our model relies only on non-invasive imaging data acquired from an animal study. Outcome is measured by pathology and functional scores. We explore color, texture, and temporal features derived from both color and thermal motion imagery acquired during ischemia and reperfusion. The imagery features form the explanatory variables in a model for predicting outcome. Comparing model performance to outcome prediction based on direct observation of blood chemistry, blood gas, urinalysis, and physiological measurements provides a reference standard. Initial results show excellent performance for the imagery-base model, compared to predictions based direct measurements. This paper will present the models and supporting analysis, followed by recommendations for future investigations.

An ICA-EBM-Based sEMG Classifier for Recognizing Lower Limb Movements in Individuals With and Without Knee Pathology.

PubMed

Naik, Ganesh R; Selvan, S Easter; Arjunan, Sridhar P; Acharyya, Amit; Kumar, Dinesh K; Ramanujam, Arvind; Nguyen, Hung T

2018-03-01

Surface electromyography (sEMG) data acquired during lower limb movements has the potential for investigating knee pathology. Nevertheless, a major challenge encountered with sEMG signals generated by lower limb movements is the intersubject variability, because the signals recorded from the leg or thigh muscles are contingent on the characteristics of a subject such as gait activity and muscle structure. In order to cope with this difficulty, we have designed a three-step classification scheme. First, the multichannel sEMG is decomposed into activities of the underlying sources by means of independent component analysis via entropy bound minimization. Next, a set of time-domain features, which would best discriminate various movements, are extracted from the source estimates. Finally, the feature selection is performed with the help of the Fisher score and a scree-plot-based statistical technique, prior to feeding the dimension-reduced features to the linear discriminant analysis. The investigation involves 11 healthy subjects and 11 individuals with knee pathology performing three different lower limb movements, namely, walking, sitting, and standing, which yielded an average classification accuracy of 96.1% and 86.2%, respectively. While the outcome of this study per se is very encouraging, with suitable improvement, the clinical application of such an sEMG-based pattern recognition system that distinguishes healthy and knee pathological subjects would be an attractive consequence.

Wearable Inertial Sensor Systems for Lower Limb Exercise Detection and Evaluation: A Systematic Review.

PubMed

O'Reilly, Martin; Caulfield, Brian; Ward, Tomas; Johnston, William; Doherty, Cailbhe

2018-05-01

Analysis of lower limb exercises is traditionally completed with four distinct methods: (1) 3D motion capture; (2) depth-camera-based systems; (3) visual analysis from a qualified exercise professional; and (4) self-assessment. Each method is associated with a number of limitations. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise and evaluate studies which have investigated the capacity for inertial measurement unit (IMU) technologies to assess movement quality in lower limb exercises. A systematic review of studies identified through the databases of PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scopus was conducted. Articles written in English and published in the last 10 years which investigated an IMU system for the analysis of repetition-based targeted lower limb exercises were included. The quality of included studies was measured using an adapted version of the STROBE assessment criteria for cross-sectional studies. The studies were categorised into three groupings: exercise detection, movement classification or measurement validation. Each study was then qualitatively summarised. From the 2452 articles that were identified with the search strategies, 47 papers are included in this review. Twenty-six of the 47 included studies were deemed as being of high quality. Wearable inertial sensor systems for analysing lower limb exercises is a rapidly growing field of research. Research over the past 10 years has predominantly focused on validating measurements that the systems produce and classifying users' exercise quality. There have been very few user evaluation studies and no clinical trials in this field to date.

Revision of the genus Campylaimus (Diplopeltidae, Nematoda) with description of four new species from the Sea of Japan.

PubMed

Fadeeva, Natalia; Mordukhovich, Vladimir; Zograf, Julia

2016-05-02

Four new Campylaimus species are described from the deep-sea sediments of the Sea of Japan at depths of about 500‒3400 m. Campylaimus orientalis sp. nov. is characterized by having a body of moderate length, clearly annulated cuticle, a small rhomboid mouth opening which is displaced on the dorsal side of body, a gap between the unequal limbs of the amphid, prominent narrow longitudinal alae and cephalated spicules. Campylaimus minutus sp. nov. is characterized by having a cylindrical body, very weak annulations, amphids with a short dorsal limb (25-44% of pharynx length) and a ventral limb completely fused with lateral alae of equal width; and lateral alae extending from the base of the amphid to the tail tip. Campylaimus amphidialis sp. nov. is characterized by having the combination of a very long amphidial fovea occupying nearly the entire length of the pharynx; and a well defined boundary between the ventral amphid limb and lateral alae. The distinctive feature of Campylaimus pulcher sp. nov. is the elongated loop-shaped amphid with nearly equal parallel limbs and prominent narrow longitudinal alae; and cephalated spicules without a gubernaculum. The diagnosis of the genus Campylaimus is emended and an identification key to species, based mainly on form and length of amphidial fovea, width of lateral alae, and copulatory apparatus is given. The genus Campylaimus now includes nineteen valid species. Two species are considered as species inquirendae, mainly because of incomplete descriptions.

A prosurvival and proangiogenic stem cell delivery system to promote ischemic limb regeneration.

PubMed

Xu, Yanyi; Fu, Minghuan; Li, Zhihong; Fan, Zhaobo; Li, Xiaofei; Liu, Ying; Anderson, Peter M; Xie, Xiaoyun; Liu, Zhenguo; Guan, Jianjun

2016-02-01

Stem cell therapy is one of the most promising strategies to restore blood perfusion and promote muscle regeneration in ischemic limbs. Yet its therapeutic efficacy remains low owing to the inferior cell survival under the low oxygen and nutrient environment of the injured limbs. To increase therapeutic efficacy, high rates of both short- and long-term cell survival are essential, which current approaches do not support. In this work, we hypothesized that a high rate of short-term cell survival can be achieved by introducing a prosurvival environment into the stem cell delivery system to enhance cell survival before vascularization is established; and that a high rate of long-term cell survival can be attained by building a proangiogenic environment in the system to quickly vascularize the limbs. The system was based on a biodegradable and thermosensitive poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel, a prosurvival and proangiogenic growth factor bFGF, and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). bFGF can be continuously released from the system for 4weeks. The released bFGF significantly improved MSC survival and paracrine effects under low nutrient and oxygen conditions (0% FBS and 1% O2) in vitro. The prosurvival effect of the bFGF on MSCs was resulted from activating cell Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4) pathway. When transplanted into the ischemic limbs, the system dramatically improved MSC survival. Some of the engrafted cells were differentiated into skeletal muscle and endothelial cells, respectively. The system also promoted the proliferation of host cells. After only 2weeks of implantation, tissue blood perfusion was completely recovered; and after 4weeks, the muscle fiber diameter was restored similarly to that of the normal limbs. These pronounced results demonstrate that the developed stem cell delivery system has a potential for ischemic limb regeneration. Stem cell therapy is a promising strategy to restore blood perfusion and promote muscle regeneration in ischemic limbs. Yet its therapeutic efficacy remains low owing to the inferior cell survival under the ischemic environment of the injured limbs. To increase therapeutic efficacy, high rate of cell survival is essential, which current approaches do not support. In this work, we tested the hypothesis that a stem cell delivery system that can continuously release a prosurvival and proangiogenic growth factor will promote high rates of cell survival in the ischemic limbs. The prosurvival effect could augment cell survival before vascularization is established, while the proangiogenic effect could stimulate quick angiogenesis to achieve long-term cell survival. Meanwhile, the differentiation of stem cells into endothelial and myogenic lineages, and cell paracrine effects will enhance vascularization and muscle regeneration. Copyright © 2015 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

HATS (High Altitude Thermal Sounder): a passive sensor solution to 3D high-resolution mapping of upper atmosphere dynamics (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordley, Larry; Marshall, Benjamin T.; Lachance, Richard L.

2016-10-01

This presentation introduces a High Altitude Thermal Sensor (HATS) that has the potential to resolve the thermal structure of the upper atmosphere (cloud top to 100km) with both horizontal and vertical resolution of 5-7 km or better. This would allow the complete characterization of the wave structures that carry weather signature from the underlying atmosphere. Using a novel gas correlation technique, an extremely high-resolution spectral scan is accomplished by measuring a Doppler modulated signal as the atmospheric thermal scene passes through the HATS 2D FOV. This high spectral resolution, difficult to impossible to achieve with any other passive technique, enables the separation of radiation emanating at high altitudes from that emanating at low altitudes. A principal component analysis of these modulation signals then exposes the complete thermal structure of the upper atmosphere. We show that nadir sounding from low earth orbit, using various branches of CO2 emission in the 17 to 15 micron region, with sufficient spectral resolution and spectral measurement range, can distinguish thermal energy that peaks at various altitudes. By observing the up-welling atmospheric emission through a low pressure (Doppler broadened) gas cell, as the scene passes through our FOV, a modulation signal is created as the atmospheric emission lines are shifted through the spectral position of the gas cell absorption lines. The modulation signal is shown to be highly correlated to the emission coming from the spectral location of the gas cell lines relative to the atmospheric emission lines. This effectively produces a scan of the atmospheric emission with a Doppler line resolution. Similar to thermal sounding of the troposphere, a principal component analysis of the modulation signal can be used to produce an altitude resolved profile, given a reasonable a priori temperature profile. It is then shown that with the addition of a limb observation with one CO2 broadband channel (similar to methods employed with sensors like LIMS on Nimbus 7, HIRDLS on Aura, and SABER on TIMED), a limb temperature profile can be retrieved and used as the a priori profile, nearly eliminating uncertainty due to a priori inaccuracy. Feasibility studies and proposed instrument designs are presented. A tutorial for a similar technique proposed for measuring winds and temperature with limb observations can be found at http://www.gats-inc.com/future_missions.html

Determinants of midterm functional outcomes, wound healing, and resources used in a hospital-based limb preservation program.

PubMed

Ramanan, Bala; Ahmed, Ayman; Wu, Bian; Causey, Marlin W; Gasper, Warren J; Vartanian, Shant M; Reyzelman, Alexander M; Hiramoto, Jade S; Conte, Michael S

2017-12-01

The objective of this study was to assess midterm functional status, wound healing, and in-hospital resource use among a prospective cohort of patients treated in a tertiary hospital, multidisciplinary Center for Limb Preservation. Data were prospectively gathered on all consecutive admissions to the Center for Limb Preservation from July 2013 to October 2014 with follow-up data collection through January 2016. Limbs were staged using the Society for Vascular Surgery Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection (WIfI) threatened limb classification scheme at the time of hospital admission. Patients with nonatherosclerotic vascular disorders, acute limb ischemia, and trauma were excluded. The cohort included 128 patients with 157 threatened limbs; 8 limbs with unstageable disease were excluded. Mean age (±standard deviation [SD]) was 66 (±13) years, and median follow-up duration (interquartile range) was 395 (80-635) days. Fifty percent (n = 64/128) of patients were readmitted at least once, with a readmission rate of 20% within 30 days of the index admission. Mean total number of admissions per patient (±SD) was 1.9 ± 1.2, with mean (±SD) cumulative length of stay (cLOS) of 17.1 (±17.9) days. During follow-up, 25% of limbs required a vascular reintervention, and 45% developed recurrent wounds. There was no difference in the rate of readmission, vascular reintervention, or wound recurrence by initial WIfI stage (P > .05). At the end of the study period, 23 (26%) were alive and nonambulatory; in 20%, functional status was missing. On both univariate and multivariate analysis, end-stage renal disease and prior functional status predicted ability to ambulate independently (P < .05). WIfI stage was associated with major amputation (P = .01) and cLOS (P = .002) but not with time to wound healing. Direct hospital (inpatient) cost per limb saved was significantly higher in stage 4 patients (P < .05 for all time periods). WIfI stage was associated with cumulative in-hospital costs at 1 year and for the overall follow-up period. Among a population of patients admitted to a tertiary hospital limb preservation service, WIfI stage was predictive of midterm freedom from amputation, cLOS, and hospital costs but not of ambulatory functional status, time to wound healing, or wound recurrence. Patients presenting with limb-threatening conditions require significant inpatient care, have a high frequency of repeated hospitalizations, and are at significant risk for recurrent wounds and leg symptoms at later times. Stage 4 patients require the most intensive care and have the highest initial and aggregate hospital costs per limb saved. However, limb salvage can be achieved in these patients with a dedicated multidisciplinary team approach. Published by Elsevier Inc.

The benefit of limb cloud imaging for tropospheric infrared limb sounding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adams, S.; Spang, R.; Preusse, P.; Heinemann, G.

2009-03-01

Advances in detector technology enable a new generation of infrared limb sounders to measure 2-D images of the atmosphere. A proposed limb cloud imager (LCI) mode will measure clouds with very high spatial resolution. For the inference of temperature and trace gas distributions, detector pixels of the LCI have to be combined into super-pixels which provide the required signal-to-noise ratio and information content for the retrievals. This study examines the extent to which tropospheric coverage can be improved in comparison to limb sounding using a fixed field of view with the size of the super-pixels, as in conventional limb sounders. The study is based on cloud topographies derived from (a) IR brightness temperatures (BT) of geostationary weather satellites in conjunction with ECMWF temperature profiles and (b) ice and liquid water content data of the Consortium for Small-scale Modeling-Europe (COSMO-EU) of the German Weather Service. Limb cloud images are simulated by matching the cloud topography with the limb sounding line of sight (LOS). The analysis of the BT data shows that the reduction of the spatial sampling along the track has hardly any effect on the gain in information. The comparison between BT and COSMO-EU data identifies the strength of both data sets, which are the representation of the horizontal cloud extent for the BT data and the reproduction of the cloud amount for the COSMO-EU data. The results of the analysis of both data sets show the great advantage of the cloud imager. However, because both cloud data sets do not present the complete fine structure of the real cloud fields in the atmosphere it is assumed that the results tend to underestimate the increase in information. In conclusion, real measurements by such an instrument may result in an even higher benefit for tropospheric limb retrievals.

Network based transcription factor analysis of regenerating axolotl limbs

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background Studies on amphibian limb regeneration began in the early 1700's but we still do not completely understand the cellular and molecular events of this unique process. Understanding a complex biological process such as limb regeneration is more complicated than the knowledge of the individual genes or proteins involved. Here we followed a systems biology approach in an effort to construct the networks and pathways of protein interactions involved in formation of the accumulation blastema in regenerating axolotl limbs. Results We used the human orthologs of proteins previously identified by our research team as bait to identify the transcription factor (TF) pathways and networks that regulate blastema formation in amputated axolotl limbs. The five most connected factors, c-Myc, SP1, HNF4A, ESR1 and p53 regulate ~50% of the proteins in our data. Among these, c-Myc and SP1 regulate 36.2% of the proteins. c-Myc was the most highly connected TF (71 targets). Network analysis showed that TGF-β1 and fibronectin (FN) lead to the activation of these TFs. We found that other TFs known to be involved in epigenetic reprogramming, such as Klf4, Oct4, and Lin28 are also connected to c-Myc and SP1. Conclusions Our study provides a systems biology approach to how different molecular entities inter-connect with each other during the formation of an accumulation blastema in regenerating axolotl limbs. This approach provides an in silico methodology to identify proteins that are not detected by experimental methods such as proteomics but are potentially important to blastema formation. We found that the TFs, c-Myc and SP1 and their target genes could potentially play a central role in limb regeneration. Systems biology has the potential to map out numerous other pathways that are crucial to blastema formation in regeneration-competent limbs, to compare these to the pathways that characterize regeneration-deficient limbs and finally, to identify stem cell markers in regeneration. PMID:21418574

Modelling the effect of race surface and racehorse limb parameters on in silico fetlock motion and propensity for injury.

PubMed

Symons, J E; Hawkins, D A; Fyhrie, D P; Upadhyaya, S K; Stover, S M

2017-09-01

The metacarpophalangeal joint (fetlock) is the most commonly affected site of racehorse injury, with multiple observed pathologies consistent with extreme fetlock dorsiflexion. Race surface mechanics affect musculoskeletal structure loading and injury risk because surface forces applied to the hoof affect limb motions. Race surface mechanics are a function of controllable factors. Thus, race surface design has the potential to reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injury through modulation of limb motions. However, the relationship between race surface mechanics and racehorse limb motions is unknown. To determine the effect of changing race surface and racehorse limb model parameters on distal limb motions. Sensitivity analysis of in silico fetlock motion to changes in race surface and racehorse limb parameters using a validated, integrated racehorse and race surface computational model. Fetlock motions were determined during gallop stance from simulations on virtual surfaces with differing average vertical stiffness, upper layer (e.g. cushion) depth and linear stiffness, horizontal friction, tendon and ligament mechanics, as well as fetlock position at heel strike. Upper layer depth produced the greatest change in fetlock motion, with lesser depths yielding greater fetlock dorsiflexion. Lesser fetlock changes were observed for changes in lower layer (e.g. base or pad) mechanics (nonlinear), as well as palmar ligament and tendon stiffness. Horizontal friction and fetlock position contributed less than 1° change in fetlock motion. Simulated fetlock motions are specific to one horse's anatomy reflected in the computational model. Anatomical differences among horses may affect the magnitude of limb flexion, but will likely have similar limb motion responses to varied surface mechanics. Race surface parameters affected by maintenance produced greater changes in fetlock motion than other parameters studied. Simulations can provide evidence to inform race surface design and management to reduce the incidence of injury. © 2017 EVJ Ltd.

Gesture therapy: an upper limb virtual reality-based motor rehabilitation platform.

PubMed

Sucar, Luis Enrique; Orihuela-Espina, Felipe; Velazquez, Roger Luis; Reinkensmeyer, David J; Leder, Ronald; Hernández-Franco, Jorge

2014-05-01

Virtual reality platforms capable of assisting rehabilitation must provide support for rehabilitation principles: promote repetition, task oriented training, appropriate feedback, and a motivating environment. As such, development of these platforms is a complex process which has not yet reached maturity. This paper presents our efforts to contribute to this field, presenting Gesture Therapy, a virtual reality-based platform for rehabilitation of the upper limb. We describe the system architecture and main features of the platform and provide preliminary evidence of the feasibility of the platform in its current status.

Enhanced ultrasound for advanced diagnostics, ultrasound tomography for volume limb imaging and prosthetic fitting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anthony, Brian W.

2016-04-01

Ultrasound imaging methods hold the potential to deliver low-cost, high-resolution, operator-independent and nonionizing imaging systems - such systems couple appropriate algorithms with imaging devices and techniques. The increasing demands on general practitioners motivate us to develop more usable and productive diagnostic imaging equipment. Ultrasound, specifically freehand ultrasound, is a low cost and safe medical imaging technique. It doesn't expose a patient to ionizing radiation. Its safety and versatility make it very well suited for the increasing demands on general practitioners, or for providing improved medical care in rural regions or the developing world. However it typically suffers from sonographer variability; we will discuss techniques to address user variability. We also discuss our work to combine cylindrical scanning systems with state of the art inversion algorithms to deliver ultrasound systems for imaging and quantifying limbs in 3-D in vivo. Such systems have the potential to track the progression of limb health at a low cost and without radiation exposure, as well as, improve prosthetic socket fitting. Current methods of prosthetic socket fabrication remain subjective and ineffective at creating an interface to the human body that is both comfortable and functional. Though there has been recent success using methods like magnetic resonance imaging and biomechanical modeling, a low-cost, streamlined, and quantitative process for prosthetic cup design and fabrication has not been fully demonstrated. Medical ultrasonography may inform the design process of prosthetic sockets in a more objective manner. This keynote talk presents the results of progress in this area.

Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, bone and muscle mass in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.

PubMed

Gusso, Silmara; Munns, Craig F; Colle, Patrícia; Derraik, José G B; Biggs, Janene B; Cutfield, Wayne S; Hofman, Paul L

2016-03-03

We performed a clinical trial on the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on muscle function and bone health of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. Forty participants (11.3-20.8 years) with mild to moderate cerebral palsy (GMFCS II-III) underwent 20-week WBVT on a vibration plate for 9 minutes/day 4 times/week at 20 Hz (without controls). Assessments included 6-minute walk test, whole-body DXA, lower leg pQCT scans, and muscle function (force plate). Twenty weeks of WBVT were associated with increased lean mass in the total body (+770 g; p = 0.0003), trunk (+410 g; p = 0.004), and lower limbs (+240 g; p = 0.012). Bone mineral content increased in total body (+48 g; p = 0.0001), lumbar spine (+2.7 g; p = 0.0003), and lower limbs (+13 g; p < 0.0001). Similarly, bone mineral density increased in total body (+0.008 g/cm(2); p = 0.013), lumbar spine (+0.014 g/cm(2); p = 0.003), and lower limbs (+0.023 g/cm(2); p < 0.0001). Participants reduced the time taken to perform the chair test, and improved the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test by 11% and 35% for those with GMFCS II and III, respectively. WBVT was associated with increases in muscle mass and bone mass and density, and improved mobility of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy.

A new locus on 3p23–p25 for an autosomal-dominant limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, LGMD1H

PubMed Central

Bisceglia, Luigi; Zoccolella, Stefano; Torraco, Alessandra; Piemontese, Maria Rosaria; Dell'Aglio, Rosa; Amati, Angela; De Bonis, Patrizia; Artuso, Lucia; Copetti, Massimiliano; Santorelli, Filippo Maria; Serlenga, Luigi; Zelante, Leopoldo; Bertini, Enrico; Petruzzella, Vittoria

2010-01-01

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are a genetically heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders with a selective or predominant involvement of shoulder and pelvic girdles. We clinically examined 19 members in a four-generation Italian family with autosomal-dominant LGMD. A total of 11 subjects were affected. Clinical findings showed variable expressivity in terms of age at onset and disease severity. Five subjects presented with a slowly progressive proximal muscle weakness, in both upper and lower limbs, with onset during the fourth–fifth decade of life, which fulfilled the consensus diagnostic criteria for LGMD. Earlier onset of the disease was observed in a group of patients presenting with muscle weakness and/or calf hypertrophy, and/or occasionally high CK and lactate serum levels. Two muscle biopsies showed morphological findings compatible with MD associated with subsarcolemmal accumulation of mitochondria and the presence of multiple mitochondrial DNA deletions. A genome-wide scan performed using microsatellite markers mapped the disease on chromosome 3p23–p25.1 locus in a 25-cM region between markers D3S1263 and D3S3685. The highest two-point LOD score was 3.26 (θ=0) at marker D3S1286 and D3S3613, whereas non-parametric analysis reached a P-value=0.0004. Four candidate genes within the refined region were analysed but did not reveal any mutations. Our findings further expand the clinical and genetic heterogeneity of LGMDs. PMID:20068593

The Contribution of SPECT/CT in the Diagnosis of Stress Fracture of the Proximal Tibia.

PubMed

Okudan, Berna; Coşkun, Nazım; Arıcan, Pelin

2018-02-01

Stress fractures are injuries most commonly seen in the lower limbs and are usually caused by repetitive stress. While the distal and middle third of the tibia is the most frequent site for stress fractures (almost 50%), stress fractures of the proximal tibia is relatively rare and could be confused with other types of tibial fractures, thus altering management plans for the clinician. Early diagnosis of stress fractures is also important to avoid complications. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis of stress fractures, especially bone scan. Combined with single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) it is an important imaging technique for stress fractures in both upper and lower extremities, and is widely preferred over other imaging techniques. In this case, we present the case of a 39-year-old male patient diagnosed with stress fracture of the proximal tibia and demonstrate the contribution of CT scan fused with SPECT imaging in the early diagnosis of stress fracture prior to other imaging modalities.

Morphology and diversity of the forcipules in Strigamia centipedes (Chilopoda, Geophilomorpha).

PubMed

Maruzzo, Diego; Bonato, Lucio

2014-01-01

The morphology of the venomous limbs (forcipules) of 13 species of Strigamia and of six other geophilomorphs was studied with light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and, for a subsample, with confocal laser scanning microscopy. In all Strigamia species a well-distinct denticle is present invariantly on the inner side of the terminal article (tarsungulum), in sub-basal position, just proximal to a faint transverse sulcus and a cuticular introflexion that corresponds to the insertion point of a tendon. Strigamia species differ mainly in size and shape of the denticle and thickness of the distal part of the tarsungulum, suggesting some functional diversity in piercing and handling prey. Anatomical evidence supports the hypothesis that the tarsungulum corresponds to two ancestral articles and a denticle at the basis of the tarsungulum originated multiple times within geophilomorphs, however in different positions corresponding to either the ancestral sub-terminal article (in Strigamia, other Geophiloidea and some Schendylidae) or the ancestral terminal article (in the himantariid Thracophilus). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Unusual Asymptomatic Fluorodeoxyglucose Avid Pheochromocytoma in a Case of Myxoid Liposarcoma of the Extremity on 18-F Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography-computed Tomography.

PubMed

Shivdasani, Divya; Singh, Natasha; Pereira, Melvika; Zade, Anand

2017-01-01

Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of rare tumors and arise either from soft tissue or from bone. Soft-tissue sarcomas (STSs) initially metastasize to the lungs. Metastases to extrapulmonary sites such as liver, brain, and soft tissue distant from primary tumor usually develop later. However, cases with isolated adrenal metastasis without disseminated disease have been reported in literature. We present a case of primary myxoid liposarcoma of the lower limb, in which staging 18 -F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography (FDG PET-CT) scan detected a suspicious FDG avid adrenal lesion which eventually on resection was diagnosed as asymptomatic pheochromocytoma. Pheochromocytomas have been reported to demonstrate FDG uptake mimicking metastasis. Hence, while interpreting FDG PET-CT scans in the context of STSs, both the extrapulmonary metastatic potential of aggressive histological subtypes of sarcoma and rare possibility of FDG avid coexistent benign tumor should be taken into consideration.

Spectral line inversion for sounding of stratospheric minor constituents by infrared heterodyne technique from balloon altitudes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbas, M. M.; Shapiro, G. L.; Allario, F.; Alvarez, J. M.

1981-01-01

A combination of two different techniques for the inversion of infrared laser heterodyne measurements of tenuous gases in the stratosphere by solar occulation is presented which incorporates the advantages of each technique. An experimental approach and inversion technique are developed which optimize the retrieval of concentration profiles by incorporating the onion peel collection scheme into the spectral inversion technique. A description of an infrared heterodyne spectrometer and the mode of observations for solar occulation measurement is presented, and the results of inversions of some synthetic ClO spectral lines corresponding to solar occulation limb-scans of the stratosphere are examined. A comparison between the new techniques and one of the current techniques indicates that considerable improvement in the accuracy of the retrieved profiles can be achieved. It is found that noise affects the accuracy of both techniques but not in a straightforward manner since there is interaction between the noise level, noise propagation through inversion, and the number of scans leading to an optimum retrieval.

Dysmorphic choroid plexuses and hydrocephalus associated with increased nuchal translucency: early ultrasound markers of de novo thanatophoric dysplasia type II with cloverleaf skull (Kleeblattschaedel).

PubMed

Tonni, Gabriele; Palmisano, Marcella; Ginocchi, Vladimiro; Ventura, Alessandro; Baldi, Maurizia; Baffico, Ave Maria

2014-11-01

Prenatal diagnosis of thanatophoric dysplasia (TD) type II presenting in the first trimester with increased nuchal translucency (NT) and cloverleaf skull (Kleeblattschaedel) have been scantly reported in the medical record. Abnormal choroid plexus has been seen in association with fetal anomalies. Here we described a case of increased NT associated with indented choroid plexuses, early onset hydrocephalus and cloverleaf skull in a fetus subsequently diagnosed at early second trimester to carry a de novo mutation encoding for TD type II. The findings of dysmorphic choroid plexus, early onset hydrocephalus and cloverleaf skull at first trimester scan may be early, useful ultrasound markers of TD type II. Molecular analysis to control for possible overlapping syndromes were performed and resulted negative. Postmortem X-ray and 3D-CT scan confirmed the cloverleaf skull, narrow thorax, straight femur with rhizomelic shortening of the limbs and the presence of a communicating hydrocephalus. © 2014 Japanese Teratology Society.

Patient-specific instrumentation for total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Nabavi, Arash; Olwill, Caroline M; Do, Mike; Wanasawage, Tanya; Harris, Ian A

2017-01-01

To assess the accuracy of total knee replacements (TKRs) performed using CT-based patient-specific instrumentation by postoperative CT scan. Approval from the Ethics Committee was granted prior to commencement of this study. Fifty prospective and consecutive patients who had undergone TKR (Evolis, Medacta International) using CT-based patient-specific instrumentation (MY KNEE, Medacta International) were assessed postoperatively using a CT scan and the validated Perth protocol measurement technique. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle of the lower limb in the coronal plane; the coronal, sagittal, and rotational orientation of the femoral component; and the coronal and sagittal orientation of the tibial component were measured. These results were then compared to each patient's preoperative planning. The percentage of patients found to be less than or equal to 3° of planned alignment was calculated. One patient was excluded as the femoral cutting block did not fit the femur as predicted by planning and therefore underwent a conventional TKR. Ninety-eight percent of patients were within 3° of planned alignment in the coronal plane reproducing the predicted HKA angle. Predicted coronal plane orientation of the tibial and femoral component was achieved in 100% and 96% of patients, respectively. The sagittal orientation of the femoral component was within 3° in 98% of patients. The planned sagittal positioning of the tibial component was achieved in 92% of patients. Furthermore, 90% of patients were found to have a femoral rotation within 3° of planning. Eighty-six percent of patients achieved good-to-excellent outcome at 12 months (Oxford Knee Score > 34). We have found that TKR using this patient-specific instrumentation accurately reproduces preoperative planning in all six of the parameters measured in this study.

An Optical-Fiber-Based Smart Textile (Smart Socks) to Manage Biomechanical Risk Factors Associated With Diabetic Foot Amputation.

PubMed

Najafi, Bijan; Mohseni, Hooman; Grewal, Gurtej S; Talal, Talal K; Menzies, Robert A; Armstrong, David G

2017-07-01

This study aimed to validate a smart-textile based on fiber-optics for simultaneous measurement of plantar temperature, pressure, and joint angles in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). After in-vitro validation in the laboratory, 33 eligible subjects with DPN were recruited (age: 58 ± 8 years, BMI: 31.5 ± 8 kg/m 2 ) for assessing plantar pressure and temperature during habitual gait-speed in a clinical-setting. All participants were asked to walk at their habitual speed while wearing a pair of sensorized socks made from highly flexible fiber optics (SmartSox). An algorithm was designed to estimate temperature, pressure, and toe range of motion from optical wavelength generated from SmartSox. To validate the device, results from thermal stress response (TSR) using thermography and peak pressure measured by computerized pressure insoles (F-Scan) were used as gold standards. In laboratory and under controlled conditions, the agreements for parameters of interest were excellent ( r > .98, P = .000), and no noticeable cross-talks between measurements of temperature, angle, and pressure were observed. During clinical data acquisition, a significant correlation was found for pressure profile under different anatomical regions of interest between SmartSox and F-Scan ( r = .67, P < .050) as well as between thermography and SmartSox ( r = .55, P < .050). This study demonstrates the validity of an innovative smart textile for assessing simultaneously the key parameters associated with risk of foot ulcers in patients with DPN. It may empower clinicians to objectively stratify foot risk and provide timely care. Another study is warranted to validate its clinical application in preventing limb threating problems in patients with DPN.

An Optical-Fiber-Based Smart Textile (Smart Socks) to Manage Biomechanical Risk Factors Associated With Diabetic Foot Amputation

PubMed Central

Najafi, Bijan; Mohseni, Hooman; Grewal, Gurtej S.; Talal, Talal K.; Menzies, Robert A.; Armstrong, David G.

2017-01-01

Objective: This study aimed to validate a smart-textile based on fiber-optics for simultaneous measurement of plantar temperature, pressure, and joint angles in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods: After in-vitro validation in the laboratory, 33 eligible subjects with DPN were recruited (age: 58 ± 8 years, BMI: 31.5 ± 8 kg/m2) for assessing plantar pressure and temperature during habitual gait-speed in a clinical-setting. All participants were asked to walk at their habitual speed while wearing a pair of sensorized socks made from highly flexible fiber optics (SmartSox). An algorithm was designed to estimate temperature, pressure, and toe range of motion from optical wavelength generated from SmartSox. To validate the device, results from thermal stress response (TSR) using thermography and peak pressure measured by computerized pressure insoles (F-Scan) were used as gold standards. Results: In laboratory and under controlled conditions, the agreements for parameters of interest were excellent (r > .98, P = .000), and no noticeable cross-talks between measurements of temperature, angle, and pressure were observed. During clinical data acquisition, a significant correlation was found for pressure profile under different anatomical regions of interest between SmartSox and F-Scan (r = .67, P < .050) as well as between thermography and SmartSox (r = .55, P < .050). Conclusion: This study demonstrates the validity of an innovative smart textile for assessing simultaneously the key parameters associated with risk of foot ulcers in patients with DPN. It may empower clinicians to objectively stratify foot risk and provide timely care. Another study is warranted to validate its clinical application in preventing limb threating problems in patients with DPN. PMID:28513212

[Antegrade diastolic blood flow and classic reflux in varicose dilatation of the intersaphenous vein].

PubMed

Shaidakov, E V; Rosukhovsky, D A; Grigoryan, A G; Bulatov, V L; Ilyukhin, E A

2016-01-01

In the intersaphenous vein (ISV) there may take place the so-called "antegrade" or "paradoxical" reflux. This type of blood flow is revealed in a series of patients during muscular diastole and is a link of the pathogenesis of varicose disease, but has, as distinct from the "classical" reflux, an antegrade direction. An incompetent saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) is a source of the antegrade diastolic blood flow (ADBF) through the ISV. Descriptions of possible variants of impaired blood flow through the ISV are fragmentary and their interpretations are controversial. Prevalence and pathogenesis of these disorders impairments have not yet been studied. A cross-sectional study: over 4 years three centres examined a total of 1,413 patients diagnosed with class C2-C6 varicose veins according the CEAP classification. All patients underwent ultrasound duplex scanning of lower limb veins. The ADBF was determined as a unidirectional antegrade blood flow with the duration of not more than 0.5 second, observed after the crus was relived of compression (in the diastole). Of the patients included into the study who had no varicose veins on the contralateral extremity with the ISV being spotted we sequentially selected 40 subjects including them into the Study Group for the analysis of blood flow and the diameter of the ISV in health. Impairments of blood flow in the ISV were revealed in 61 (4.8%) of 1,265 extremities included into the study: the "classical" reflux in 9 (14.8%) limbs, ADBF was revealed in 37 (60.7%) limbs, a combination of the "classical" blood flow and ADBF - in 15 (24.6%) limbs. Hence, the patients were subdivided into three groups. Studying the nature of blood flow through the ISV in the control group on 40 lower limbs revealed no blood flow disorders. The mean ISV diameter amounted to 1.68 mm (ME=1 mm). The ISV diameter was considerably higher in all studied groups as compared with the control one (p<0.0001). The diameter of the ISV in its proximal portion averagely amounted to 4.48 mm (SD 1.337 mm, SE 0.171 mm). The diameter in the distal portion amounted to 5.39 mm (SD 1.725 mm, SE 0.221 mm).

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Type I Affects Brain Structure in Prefrontal and Motor Cortex

PubMed Central

Pleger, Burkhard; Draganski, Bogdan; Schwenkreis, Peter; Lenz, Melanie; Nicolas, Volkmar; Maier, Christoph; Tegenthoff, Martin

2014-01-01

The complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a rare but debilitating pain disorder that mostly occurs after injuries to the upper limb. A number of studies indicated altered brain function in CRPS, whereas possible influences on brain structure remain poorly investigated. We acquired structural magnetic resonance imaging data from CRPS type I patients and applied voxel-by-voxel statistics to compare white and gray matter brain segments of CRPS patients with matched controls. Patients and controls were statistically compared in two different ways: First, we applied a 2-sample ttest to compare whole brain white and gray matter structure between patients and controls. Second, we aimed to assess structural alterations specifically of the primary somatosensory (S1) and motor cortex (M1) contralateral to the CRPS affected side. To this end, MRI scans of patients with left-sided CRPS (and matched controls) were horizontally flipped before preprocessing and region-of-interest-based group comparison. The unpaired ttest of the “non-flipped” data revealed that CRPS patients presented increased gray matter density in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. The same test applied to the “flipped” data showed further increases in gray matter density, not in the S1, but in the M1 contralateral to the CRPS-affected limb which were inversely related to decreased white matter density of the internal capsule within the ipsilateral brain hemisphere. The gray-white matter interaction between motor cortex and internal capsule suggests compensatory mechanisms within the central motor system possibly due to motor dysfunction. Altered gray matter structure in dorsomedial prefrontal cortex may occur in response to emotional processes such as pain-related suffering or elevated analgesic top-down control. PMID:24416397

Functional morphology of amplexus (clasping) in spinicaudatan clam shrimps (Crustacea, Branchiopoda) and its evolution in bivalved branchiopods: A video-based analysis.

PubMed

Sigvardt, Zandra M S; Rogers, D Christopher; Olesen, Jørgen

2017-04-01

Male clam shrimps (Crustacea: Branchiopoda: Laevicaudata, Spinicaudata, and Cyclestherida) have their first one or two trunk limb pairs modified as "claspers," which are used to hold the female during mating and mate guarding. Clasper morphology has traditionally been important for clam shrimp taxonomy and classification, but little is known about how the males actually use the claspers during amplexus (clasping). Homologies of the various clasper parts ("movable finger," "large palp," "palm," "gripping area," and "small palp") have long been discussed between the three clam shrimp taxa, and studies have shown that only some structures are homologous while others are convergent ("partial homology"). We studied the clasper functionality in four spinicaudatan species using video recordings and scanning electron microscopy, and compared our results with other clam shrimp groups. General mating behavior and carapace morphology was also studied. Generally, spinicaudatan and laevicaudatan claspers function similarly despite some parts being nonhomologous. We mapped clasper morphology and functionality aspects on a branchiopod phylogeny. We suggest that the claspers of the three groups were adapted from an original, simpler clasper, each for a "stronger" grip on the female's carapace margin: 1) Spinicaudata have two clasper pairs bearing an elongated apical club/gripping area with one setal type; 2); Cyclestherida have one clasper pair with clusters of molariform setae on the gripping area and at the movable finger apex; and 3) Laevicaudata have one clasper pair, but have incorporated an additional limb portion into the clasper palm and bear a diverse set of setae. J. Morphol. 278:523-546, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modeling the non-grey-body thermal emission from the full moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vogler, Karl J.; Johnson, Paul E.; Shorthill, Richard W.

1991-01-01

The present series of thermophysical computer models for solid-surfaced planetary bodies whose surface roughness is modeled as paraboloidal craters of specified depth/diameter ratio attempts to characterize the nongrey-body brightness temperature spectra of the moon and of the Galilean satellites. This modeling, in which nondiffuse radiation properties and surface roughness are included for rigorous analysis of scattered and reemitted radiation within a crater, explains to first order the behavior of both limb-scans and disk-integrated IR brightness temperature spectra for the full moon. Only negative surface relief can explain lunar thermal emissions' deviation from smooth Lambert-surface expectations.

Remote Sensing Studies Of The Current Martian Climate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Taylor, F. W.; McCleese, D. J.; Schofield, J. T.; Calcutt, S. B.; Moroz, V. I.

A systematic and detailed experimental study of the Martian atmosphere remains to be carried out, despite many decades of intense interest in the nature of the Martian climate system, its interactions, variability and long-term stability. Such a study is planned by the 2005 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, using limb-scanning infrared radiometric techniques similar to those used to study trace species in the terrestrial stratosphere. For Mars, the objectives are temperature, humidity, dust and condensate abundances with high vertical resolution and global coverage in the 0 to 80 km height range. The paper will discuss the experiment and its methodology and expectations for the results.

Quantitative determination of stratospheric aerosol characteristics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tingey, D. L.; Potter, J. (Principal Investigator)

1975-01-01

The author has identified the following significant results. In the S192 data, a peak was apparent in the lower altitudes that was not present in the shorter wavelengths and grew with increasing wavelength beginning with band 7. For ten S192 wavelengths, the relative altitude increment was determined by knowledge of the relative position of the highest point in the scan arc. Using this scheme, results of scaling and inverting data for passes 47 and 61 were put into two models. Each result had three chart representations: (1) limb brightness measurement, (2) attenuation coefficients, and (3) ratio of the aerosol and Rayleigh coefficients to accentuate layers.

Case report: severe melorheostosis involving the ipsilateral extremities.

PubMed

Long, Hai-Tao; Li, Kang-Hua; Zhu, Yong

2009-10-01

Melorheostosis is a rare, noninheritable bone dysplasia characterized by its classic radiographic feature of flowing hyperostosis resembling dripping candle wax, generally on one side of the long bone. The condition originally was described by Leri and Joanny in 1922. Its etiology remains speculative, and treatment in most instances has been symptomatic. Melorheostosis usually affects one limb, more often the lower extremity, and rarely the axial skeleton. We report a rare case of severe melorheostosis in the ipsilateral upper and lower extremities with normal contralateral extremities. The plain radiographs revealed almost all the bones in the affected extremities, from clavicle and scapula to distal phalanges of the fingers and from femur to distal phalanges of the toes, presented extensive, dense hyperostosis and heterotopic ossification in the periarticular soft tissue. Physical examination showed considerable swelling and deformities of the left limbs, stiffness and distortion of the joints, and anesthesia in the left ulnar regions of the forearm and hand. The examination of the right side was normal. Computed tomography scans showed multiple areas of classic candle wax-like hyperostosis and narrowing or disappearance of the medullary cavity. Histologic analysis confirmed the clinical and imaging diagnosis and revealed extremely dense sclerotic bone of cortical pattern.

An aggressive chondroblastoma of the knee treated with resection arthrodesis and limb lengthening using the Ilizarov technique

PubMed Central

2010-01-01

This case report describes the management of a 15 year old male with a biologically aggressive chondroblastoma of the knee. Following CT, bone scan, angiography and an open biopsy, the diagnosis was confirmed histologically and immunohistochemically. The patient underwent a 13 cm en-bloc excision of the knee, and knee arthrodesis with simultaneous bone transport using an Ilizarov ring fixator. Following 136 days of bone transport, the patient achieved radiological and clinical bony union after a total frame time of 372 days. He then commenced 50% partial weight-bear in a protective knee brace and gradually worked up to full weight-bearing by 4 months. The patient developed superficial pin tract infections around the k-wires on 2 occasions; these settled with a cephalosporin antibiotic spray and local dressings. At 13 years follow-up there are no signs of disease recurrence or failure at the fusion site. The patient is able to fully weight bear and stand independently on the operated leg. Knee arthrodesis with simultaneous limb-lengthening is an effective treatment modality following en-bloc resection of an aggressive chondroblastoma. The case is discussed with reference to the literature. PMID:20667131

Brain hemorrhage after electrical burn injury: Case report and probable mechanism.

PubMed

Axayacalt, Gutierrez Aceves Guillermo; Alejandro, Ceja Espinosa; Marcos, Rios Alanis; Inocencio, Ruiz Flores Milton; Alfredo, Herrera Gonzalez Jose

2016-01-01

High-voltage electric injury may induce lesion in different organs. In addition to the local tissue damage, electrical injuries may lead to neurological deficits, musculoskeletal damage, and cardiovascular injury. Severe vascular damage may occur making the blood vessels involved prone to thrombosis and spontaneous rupture. Here, we present the case of a 39-year-old male who suffered an electrical burn with high tension wire causing intracranial bleeding. He presented with an electrical burn in the parietal area (entry zone) and the left forearm (exit zone). The head tomography scan revealed an intraparenchimatous bleeding in the left parietal area. In this case, the electric way was the scalp, cranial bone, blood vessels and brain, upper limb muscle, and skin. The damage was different according to the dielectric property in each tissue. The injury was in the scalp, cerebral blood vessel, skeletal muscle, and upper limb skin. The main damage was in brain's blood vessels because of the dielectric and geometric features that lead to bleeding, high temperature, and gas delivering. This is a report of a patient with an electric brain injury that can be useful to elucidate the behavior of the high voltage electrical current flow into the nervous system.

Lower limb gigantism, lymphedema, and painful varicosities following a thigh vascular access graft.

PubMed

Thompson, Michael; Mathuram Thiyagarajan, Umasankar; Akoh, Jacob A

2014-07-01

Prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are associated with greater morbidity than autogenous arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), but their use is indicated when AVF formation is not possible. This report adds to the literature a case of lower limb gigantism, painful varicosities, and lymphedema following long-term use of AVG in the upper thigh. The patient's past medical history included renal transplantation on the same side well before the AVG was inserted and right leg deep vein thrombosis. Suspicion of AVG thrombosis was excluded by Doppler ultrasound, which demonstrated an access flow of 1700 mL/min. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis did not identify the cause of her symptoms. Whereas functional incompetence of the iliac vein valve might be responsible for the varicosities, the extent of hypertrophy in this case raises the suspicion of lymphatic blockage possibly secondary to groin dissection undertaken at the time of graft insertion, in addition to the previous dissection at the time of transplantation. This case highlights the need for minimal groin dissection during AVG insertion, particularly in patients with a history of previous abdominopelvic surgery. © 2014 International Society for Hemodialysis.

A genome-wide association study of limb bone length using a Large White × Minzhu intercross population.

PubMed

Zhang, Long-Chao; Li, Na; Liu, Xin; Liang, Jing; Yan, Hua; Zhao, Ke-Bin; Pu, Lei; Shi, Hui-Bi; Zhang, Yue-Bo; Wang, Li-Gang; Wang, Li-Xian

2014-11-04

In pig, limb bone length influences ham yield and body height to a great extent and has important economic implications for pig industry. In this study, an intercross population was constructed between the indigenous Chinese Minzhu pig breed and the western commercial Large White pig breed to examine the genetic basis for variation in limb bone length. The aim of this study was to detect potential genetic variants associated with porcine limb bone length. A total of 571 F2 individuals from a Large White and Minzhu intercross population were genotyped using the Illumina PorcineSNP60K Beadchip, and phenotyped for femur length (FL), humerus length (HL), hipbone length (HIPL), scapula length (SL), tibia length (TL), and ulna length (UL). A genome-wide association study was performed by applying the previously reported approach of genome-wide rapid association using mixed model and regression. Statistical significance of the associations was based on Bonferroni-corrected P-values. A total of 39 significant SNPs were mapped to a 11.93 Mb long region on pig chromosome 7 (SSC7). Linkage analysis of these significant SNPs revealed three haplotype blocks of 495 kb, 376 kb and 492 kb, respectively, in the 11.93 Mb region. Annotation based on the pig reference genome identified 15 genes that were located near or contained the significant SNPs in these linkage disequilibrium intervals. Conditioned analysis revealed that four SNPs, one on SSC2 and three on SSC4, showed significant associations with SL and HL, respectively. Analysis of the 15 annotated genes that were identified in these three haplotype blocks indicated that HMGA1 and PPARD, which are expressed in limbs and influence chondrocyte cell growth and differentiation, could be considered as relevant biological candidates for limb bone length in pig, with potential applications in breeding programs. Our results may also be useful for the study of the mechanisms that underlie human limb length and body height.

The accuracy and precision of radiostereometric analysis in upper limb arthroplasty.

PubMed

Ten Brinke, Bart; Beumer, Annechien; Koenraadt, Koen L M; Eygendaal, Denise; Kraan, Gerald A; Mathijssen, Nina M C

2017-06-01

Background and purpose - Radiostereometric analysis (RSA) is an accurate method for measurement of early migration of implants. Since a relation has been shown between early migration and future loosening of total knee and hip prostheses, RSA plays an important role in the development and evaluation of prostheses. However, there have been few RSA studies of the upper limb, and the value of RSA of the upper limb is not yet clear. We therefore performed a systematic review to investigate the accuracy and precision of RSA of the upper limb. Patients and methods - PRISMA guidelines were followed and the protocol for this review was published online at PROSPERO under registration number CRD42016042014. A systematic search of the literature was performed in the databases Embase, Medline, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, Cinahl, and Google Scholar on April 25, 2015 based on the keywords radiostereometric analysis, shoulder prosthesis, elbow prosthesis, wrist prosthesis, trapeziometacarpal joint prosthesis, humerus, ulna, radius, carpus. Articles concerning RSA for the analysis of early migration of prostheses of the upper limb were included. Quality assessment was performed using the MINORS score, Downs and Black checklist, and the ISO RSA Results - 23 studies were included. Precision values were in the 0.06-0.88 mm and 0.05-10.7° range for the shoulder, the 0.05-0.34 mm and 0.16-0.76° range for the elbow, and the 0.16-1.83 mm and 11-124° range for the TMC joint. Accuracy data from marker- and model-based RSA were not reported in the studies included. Interpretation - RSA is a highly precise method for measurement of early migration of orthopedic implants in the upper limb. However, the precision of rotation measurement is poor in some components. Challenges with RSA in the upper limb include the symmetrical shape of prostheses and the limited size of surrounding bone, leading to over-projection of the markers by the prosthesis. We recommend higher adherence to RSA guidelines and encourage investigators to publish long-term follow-up RSA studies.

The "waiting period" of sensory and motor axons in early chick hindlimb: its role in axon pathfinding and neuronal maturation.

PubMed

Wang, G; Scott, S A

2000-07-15

During embryonic development motor axons in the chick hindlimb grow out slightly before sensory axons and wait in the plexus region at the base of the limb for approximately 24 hr before invading the limb itself (Tosney and Landmesser, 1985a). We have investigated the role of this waiting period by asking, Is the arrest of growth cones in the plexus region a general property of both sensory and motor axons? Why do axons wait? Does eliminating the waiting period affect the further development of motor and sensory neurons? Here we show that sensory axons, like motor axons, pause in the plexus region and that neither sensory nor motor axons require cues from the other population to wait in or exit from the plexus region. By transplanting older or younger donor limbs to host embryos, we show that host axons innervate donor limbs on a schedule consistent with the age of the grafted limbs. Thus, axons wait in the plexus region for maturational changes to occur in the limb rather than in the neurons themselves. Both sensory and motor axons innervate their appropriate peripheral targets when the waiting period is eliminated by grafting older donor limbs. Therefore, axons do not require a prolonged period in the plexus region to sort out and project appropriately. Eliminating the waiting period does, however, accelerate the onset of naturally occurring cell death, but it does not enhance the development of central projections or the biochemical maturation of sensory neurons.

Stabilization of cat paw trajectory during locomotion

PubMed Central

Klishko, Alexander N.; Farrell, Bradley J.; Beloozerova, Irina N.; Latash, Mark L.

2014-01-01

We investigated which of cat limb kinematic variables during swing of regular walking and accurate stepping along a horizontal ladder are stabilized by coordinated changes of limb segment angles. Three hypotheses were tested: 1) animals stabilize the entire swing trajectory of specific kinematic variables (performance variables); and 2) the level of trajectory stabilization is similar between regular and ladder walking and 3) is higher for forelimbs compared with hindlimbs. We used the framework of the uncontrolled manifold (UCM) hypothesis to quantify the structure of variance of limb kinematics in the limb segment orientation space across steps. Two components of variance were quantified for each potential performance variable, one of which affected it (“bad variance,” variance orthogonal to the UCM, VORT) while the other one did not (“good variance,” variance within the UCM, VUCM). The analysis of five candidate performance variables revealed that cats during both locomotor behaviors stabilize 1) paw vertical position during the entire swing (VUCM > VORT, except in mid-hindpaw swing of ladder walking) and 2) horizontal paw position in initial and terminal swing (except for the entire forepaw swing of regular walking). We also found that the limb length was typically stabilized in midswing, whereas limb orientation was not (VUCM ≤ VORT) for both limbs and behaviors during entire swing. We conclude that stabilization of paw position in early and terminal swing enables accurate and stable locomotion, while stabilization of vertical paw position in midswing helps paw clearance. This study is the first to demonstrate the applicability of the UCM-based analysis to nonhuman movement. PMID:24899676

Global Kalman filter approaches to estimate absolute angles of lower limb segments.

PubMed

Nogueira, Samuel L; Lambrecht, Stefan; Inoue, Roberto S; Bortole, Magdo; Montagnoli, Arlindo N; Moreno, Juan C; Rocon, Eduardo; Terra, Marco H; Siqueira, Adriano A G; Pons, Jose L

2017-05-16

In this paper we propose the use of global Kalman filters (KFs) to estimate absolute angles of lower limb segments. Standard approaches adopt KFs to improve the performance of inertial sensors based on individual link configurations. In consequence, for a multi-body system like a lower limb exoskeleton, the inertial measurements of one link (e.g., the shank) are not taken into account in other link angle estimations (e.g., foot). Global KF approaches, on the other hand, correlate the collective contribution of all signals from lower limb segments observed in the state-space model through the filtering process. We present a novel global KF (matricial global KF) relying only on inertial sensor data, and validate both this KF and a previously presented global KF (Markov Jump Linear Systems, MJLS-based KF), which fuses data from inertial sensors and encoders from an exoskeleton. We furthermore compare both methods to the commonly used local KF. The results indicate that the global KFs performed significantly better than the local KF, with an average root mean square error (RMSE) of respectively 0.942° for the MJLS-based KF, 1.167° for the matrical global KF, and 1.202° for the local KFs. Including the data from the exoskeleton encoders also resulted in a significant increase in performance. The results indicate that the current practice of using KFs based on local models is suboptimal. Both the presented KF based on inertial sensor data, as well our previously presented global approach fusing inertial sensor data with data from exoskeleton encoders, were superior to local KFs. We therefore recommend to use global KFs for gait analysis and exoskeleton control.

Longitudinal patient-reported mobility assessment in fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).

PubMed

Kaplan, Frederick S; Al Mukaddam, Mona; Pignolo, Robert J

2018-04-01

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare, disabling genetic disorder characterized by episodic soft tissue swelling (flare-ups) that leads to progressive heterotopic ossification and restricted joint mobility. Here we present the first longitudinal patient-reported mobility assessment (PRMA) in FOP based on a simple evaluation tool. At initial presentation and follow-up (1-11year span; median: 6 year span), 64 patients (36 females; 28 males) with classic FOP completed a questionnaire designed to rapidly assess mobility at 15 sites (three axial; six upper limb, and six lower limb). In order to validate this instrument, twenty-one of 64 patients (33%) underwent a cumulative analogue joint involvement scale (CAJIS) evaluation by two physicians within six months of their second self-assessment. We found that: 1) mobility changes were episodic and regional, occurring first in the neck and trunk, followed by the upper limbs and finally the lower limbs; 2) interval improvements in mobility did occur, most notably in the lower limbs (18%), and less so in the upper limbs (12%) and trunk (3%), and 3) patient-reported mobility assessments correlate highly (R 2 =0.81) with physician-reported CAJIS evaluations. This is the first longitudinal PRMA in FOP and provides a simple and valid tool that can be used in the design and evaluation of clinical trials in this progressively disabling disease. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A novel method to guide classification of para swimmers with limb deficiency.

PubMed

Hogarth, Luke; Payton, Carl; Van de Vliet, Peter; Connick, Mark; Burkett, Brendan

2018-05-30

The International Paralympic Committee has directed International Federations that govern Para sports to develop evidence-based classification systems. This study defined the impact of limb deficiency impairment on 100 m freestyle performance to guide an evidence-based classification system in Para Swimming, which will be implemented following the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic games. Impairment data and competitive race performances of 90 international swimmers with limb deficiency were collected. Ensemble partial least squares regression established the relationship between relative limb length measures and competitive 100 m freestyle performance. The model explained 80% of the variance in 100 m freestyle performance, and found hand length and forearm length to be the most important predictors of performance. Based on the results of this model, Para swimmers were clustered into four-, five-, six- and seven-class structures using nonparametric kernel density estimations. The validity of these classification structures, and effectiveness against the current classification system, were examined by establishing within-class variations in 100 m freestyle performance and differences between adjacent classes. The derived classification structures were found to be more effective than current classification based on these criteria. This study provides a novel method that can be used to improve the objectivity and transparency of decision-making in Para sport classification. Expert consensus from experienced coaches, Para swimmers, classifiers and sport science and medicine personnel will benefit the translation of these findings into a revised classification system that is accepted by the Para swimming community. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Reliability of image-free navigation to monitor lower-limb alignment.

PubMed

Pearle, Andrew D; Goleski, Patrick; Musahl, Volker; Kendoff, Daniel

2009-02-01

Proper alignment of the mechanical axis of the lower limb is the principal goal of a high tibial osteotomy. A well-accepted and relevant technical specification is the coronal plane lower-limb alignment. Target values for coronal plane alignment after high tibial osteotomy include 2 degrees of overcorrection, while tolerances for this specification have been established as 2 degrees to 4 degrees. However, the role of axial plane and sagittal plane realignment after high tibial osteotomy is poorly understood; consequently, targets and tolerance for this technical specification remain undefined. This article reviews the literature concerning the reliability and precision of navigation in monitoring the clinically relevant specification of lower-limb alignment in high tibial osteotomy. We conclude that image-free navigation registration may be clinically useful for intraoperative monitoring of the coronal plane only. Only fair and poor results for the axial and sagittal planes can be obtained by image-free navigation systems. In the future, combined image-based data, such as those from radiographs, magnetic resonance imaging, and gait analysis, may be used to help to improve the accuracy and reproducibility of quantitative intraoperative monitoring of lower-limb alignment.

Load transfer mechanics between trans-tibial prosthetic socket and residual limb--dynamic effects.

PubMed

Jia, Xiaohong; Zhang, Ming; Lee, Winson C C

2004-09-01

The effects of inertial loads on the interface stresses between trans-tibial residual limb and prosthetic socket were investigated. The motion of the limb and prosthesis was monitored using a Vicon motion analysis system and the ground reaction force was measured by a force platform. Equivalent loads at the knee joint during walking were calculated in two cases with and without consideration of the material inertia. A 3D nonlinear finite element (FE) model based on the actual geometry of residual limb, internal bones and socket liner was developed to study the mechanical interaction between socket and residual limb during walking. To simulate the friction/slip boundary conditions between the skin and liner, automated surface-to-surface contact was used. The prediction results indicated that interface pressure and shear stress had the similar double-peaked waveform shape in stance phase. The average difference in interface stresses between the two cases with and without consideration of inertial forces was 8.4% in stance phase and 20.1% in swing phase. The maximum difference during stance phase is up to 19%. This suggests that it is preferable to consider the material inertia effect in a fully dynamic FE model.

Does lower limb exercise worsen renal artery hemodynamics in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm?

PubMed

Sun, Anqiang; Tian, Xiaopeng; Zhang, Nan; Xu, Zaipin; Deng, Xiaoyan; Liu, Ming; Liu, Xiao

2015-01-01

Renal artery stenosis (RAS) and renal complications emerge in some patients after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to treat abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA). The mechanisms for the causes of these problems are not clear. We hypothesized that for EVAR patients, lower limb exercise could negatively influence the physiology of the renal artery and the renal function, by decreasing the blood flow velocity and changing the hemodynamics in the renal arteries. To evaluate this hypothesis, pre- and post-operative models of the abdominal aorta were reconstructed based on CT images. The hemodynamic environment was numerically simulated under rest and lower limb exercise conditions. The results revealed that in the renal arteries, lower limb exercise decreased the wall shear stress (WSS), increased the oscillatory shear index (OSI) and increased the relative residence time (RRT). EVAR further enhanced these effects. Because these parameters are related to artery stenosis and atherosclerosis, this preliminary study concluded that lower limb exercise may increase the potential risk of inducing renal artery stenosis and renal complications for AAA patients. This finding could help elucidate the mechanism of renal artery stenosis and renal complications after EVAR and warn us to reconsider the management and nursing care of AAA patients.

Predictive classification of self-paced upper-limb analytical movements with EEG.

PubMed

Ibáñez, Jaime; Serrano, J I; del Castillo, M D; Minguez, J; Pons, J L

2015-11-01

The extent to which the electroencephalographic activity allows the characterization of movements with the upper limb is an open question. This paper describes the design and validation of a classifier of upper-limb analytical movements based on electroencephalographic activity extracted from intervals preceding self-initiated movement tasks. Features selected for the classification are subject specific and associated with the movement tasks. Further tests are performed to reject the hypothesis that other information different from the task-related cortical activity is being used by the classifiers. Six healthy subjects were measured performing self-initiated upper-limb analytical movements. A Bayesian classifier was used to classify among seven different kinds of movements. Features considered covered the alpha and beta bands. A genetic algorithm was used to optimally select a subset of features for the classification. An average accuracy of 62.9 ± 7.5% was reached, which was above the baseline level observed with the proposed methodology (30.2 ± 4.3%). The study shows how the electroencephalography carries information about the type of analytical movement performed with the upper limb and how it can be decoded before the movement begins. In neurorehabilitation environments, this information could be used for monitoring and assisting purposes.

Did saber-tooth kittens grow up musclebound? A study of postnatal limb bone allometry in felids from the Pleistocene of Rancho La Brea.

PubMed

Long, Katherine; Prothero, Donald; Madan, Meena; Syverson, Valerie J P

2017-01-01

Previous studies have demonstrated that the Pleistocene saber-toothed cat Smilodon fatalis had many forelimb adaptations for increased strength, presumably to grapple with and subdue prey. The Rancho La Brea tar pits yield large samples of juvenile limb bones forming a growth series that allow us to examine how Smilodon kittens grew up. Almost all available juvenile limb bones were measured, and reduced major axis fits were calculated to determine the allometric growth trends. Contrary to expectations based on their robust limbs, Smilodon kittens show the typical pattern of growth found in other large felids (such as the Ice Age lion, Panthera atrox, as well as living tigers, cougars, servals, and wildcats) where the limb grows longer and more slender faster than they grow thick. This adaptation is thought to give felids greater running speed. Smilodon kittens do not grow increasingly more robust with age. Instead, they start out robust and follow the ancestral felid growth pattern, while maintaining their robustness compared to other felids. Apparently, the growth of felid forelimbs is highly canalized and their ontogeny is tightly constrained.

A lower limb exoskeleton control system based on steady state visual evoked potentials.

PubMed

Kwak, No-Sang; Müller, Klaus-Robert; Lee, Seong-Whan

2015-10-01

We have developed an asynchronous brain-machine interface (BMI)-based lower limb exoskeleton control system based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). By decoding electroencephalography signals in real-time, users are able to walk forward, turn right, turn left, sit, and stand while wearing the exoskeleton. SSVEP stimulation is implemented with a visual stimulation unit, consisting of five light emitting diodes fixed to the exoskeleton. A canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method for the extraction of frequency information associated with the SSVEP was used in combination with k-nearest neighbors. Overall, 11 healthy subjects participated in the experiment to evaluate performance. To achieve the best classification, CCA was first calibrated in an offline experiment. In the subsequent online experiment, our results exhibit accuracies of 91.3 ± 5.73%, a response time of 3.28 ± 1.82 s, an information transfer rate of 32.9 ± 9.13 bits/min, and a completion time of 1100 ± 154.92 s for the experimental parcour studied. The ability to achieve such high quality BMI control indicates that an SSVEP-based lower limb exoskeleton for gait assistance is becoming feasible.

A lower limb exoskeleton control system based on steady state visual evoked potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kwak, No-Sang; Müller, Klaus-Robert; Lee, Seong-Whan

2015-10-01

Objective. We have developed an asynchronous brain-machine interface (BMI)-based lower limb exoskeleton control system based on steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). Approach. By decoding electroencephalography signals in real-time, users are able to walk forward, turn right, turn left, sit, and stand while wearing the exoskeleton. SSVEP stimulation is implemented with a visual stimulation unit, consisting of five light emitting diodes fixed to the exoskeleton. A canonical correlation analysis (CCA) method for the extraction of frequency information associated with the SSVEP was used in combination with k-nearest neighbors. Main results. Overall, 11 healthy subjects participated in the experiment to evaluate performance. To achieve the best classification, CCA was first calibrated in an offline experiment. In the subsequent online experiment, our results exhibit accuracies of 91.3 ± 5.73%, a response time of 3.28 ± 1.82 s, an information transfer rate of 32.9 ± 9.13 bits/min, and a completion time of 1100 ± 154.92 s for the experimental parcour studied. Significance. The ability to achieve such high quality BMI control indicates that an SSVEP-based lower limb exoskeleton for gait assistance is becoming feasible.

A low-cost rapid upper limb assessment method in manual assembly line based on somatosensory interaction technology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiang, Shengqian; Liu, Peng; Fu, Danni; Xue, Yiming; Luo, Wentao; Wang, Mingjie

2017-04-01

As an effective survey method of upper limb disorder, rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) has a wide application in industry period. However, it is very difficult to rapidly evaluate operator's postures in real complex work place. In this paper, a real-time RULA method is proposed to accurately assess the potential risk of operator's postures based on the somatosensory data collected from Kinect sensor, which is a line of motion sensing input devices by Microsoft. First, the static position information of each bone point is collected to obtain the effective angles of body parts based on the calculating methods based on joints angles. Second, a whole RULA score of body is obtained to assess the risk level of current posture in real time. Third, those RULA scores are compared with the results provided by a group of ergonomic practitionerswho were asked to observe the same static postures. All the experiments were carried out in an ergonomic lab. The results show that the proposed method can detect operator's postures more accurately. What's more, this method is applied in a real-time condition which can improve the evaluating efficiency.

On Orbit Measurement of Response vs. Scan Angle for the Infrared Bands on TRMM/VIRS

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Barnes, William L.; Lyu, Cheng-Hsuan; Barnes, Robert A.

1999-01-01

The Visible and Infrared Scanner on the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM/VIRS) is a whiskbroom imaging radiometer with two reflected solar bands and three emissive infrared bands. All five detectors are on a single cooled focal plane. This configuration necessitated the use of a paddlewheel scan mirror to avoid the effects of focal plane rotation that arise when using a scan mirror that is inclined to its axis of rotation. System radiometric requirements led to the need for protected silver as the mirror surface. Unfortunately, the SiO(x) coatings currently used to protect silver from oxidation introduce a change in reflectance with angle of incidence (AOI). This AOI dependence results in a modulation of system level response with scan angle. Measurement of system response vs. scan angle (RVS) was not difficult for the VIRS reflected solar bands, but attaining the required accuracy for the IR bands in the laboratory was not possible without a large vacuum chamber and a considerable amount of custom designed testing apparatus. Therefore, the decision was made to conduct the measurement on-orbit. On three separate occasions, the TRMM spacecraft was rotated about its pitch axis and, after the nadir view passed over the Earth's limb, the VIRS performed several thousand scans while viewing deep space. The resulting data has been analyzed and the RVS curves generated for the three IR bands are being used in the VIRS radiometric calibration algorithm. This, to our knowledge, the first time this measurement has been made on-orbit. Similar measurements are planned for the EOS-AM and EOS-PM MODIS sensors and are being considered for several systems under development. The VIRS on-orbit results will be compared to VIRS and MODIS system level laboratory measurements, MODIS scan mirror witness sample measurements and modeled data.

Commercial gaming devices for stroke upper limb rehabilitation: a systematic review.

PubMed

Thomson, Katie; Pollock, Alex; Bugge, Carol; Brady, Marian

2014-06-01

Rehabilitation using commercial gaming devices is a new concept for stroke care. Commercial gaming devices such as Nintendo Wii or Sony PlayStation encourage high repetition of arm movements and are being introduced into some clinical settings. The evidence base for gaming use in rehabilitation is growing rapidly and there is a need to systematically synthesise research. Our review aims to integrate evidence on how gaming is being used, explore patient/therapist experience and synthesise evidence of effectiveness. An integrative systematic review was undertaken searching Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2013), Medline (2013), Embase (2013) and twelve additional databases. Two review authors independently selected studies based on pre-defined inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Nineteen studies including 215 patients met inclusion criteria. Studies were typically small scale feasibility studies using a range of research designs, limiting the ability to reach generalised conclusions. Results have been tabulated (activities of daily living, upper limb function/ movement) and qualitative themes identified. Findings suggest that most patients enjoy using commercial gaming and can tolerate 180 mins per week without significant adverse effects. A trend towards improvement was noted for upper limb function/ movement. Few studies recorded outcomes related to activities of daily living or focused on understanding patients' experiences of this intervention. Commercial gaming can provide high intensity upper limb practice however there is insufficient high quality evidence to reach generalisable conclusions about risks or benefits on activities of daily living or upper limb function/movement. © 2014 The Authors. International Journal of Stroke © 2014 World Stroke Organization.

Learning by Demonstration for Motion Planning of Upper-Limb Exoskeletons

PubMed Central

Lauretti, Clemente; Cordella, Francesca; Ciancio, Anna Lisa; Trigili, Emilio; Catalan, Jose Maria; Badesa, Francisco Javier; Crea, Simona; Pagliara, Silvio Marcello; Sterzi, Silvia; Vitiello, Nicola; Garcia Aracil, Nicolas; Zollo, Loredana

2018-01-01

The reference joint position of upper-limb exoskeletons is typically obtained by means of Cartesian motion planners and inverse kinematics algorithms with the inverse Jacobian; this approach allows exploiting the available Degrees of Freedom (i.e. DoFs) of the robot kinematic chain to achieve the desired end-effector pose; however, if used to operate non-redundant exoskeletons, it does not ensure that anthropomorphic criteria are satisfied in the whole human-robot workspace. This paper proposes a motion planning system, based on Learning by Demonstration, for upper-limb exoskeletons that allow successfully assisting patients during Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in unstructured environment, while ensuring that anthropomorphic criteria are satisfied in the whole human-robot workspace. The motion planning system combines Learning by Demonstration with the computation of Dynamic Motion Primitives and machine learning techniques to construct task- and patient-specific joint trajectories based on the learnt trajectories. System validation was carried out in simulation and in a real setting with a 4-DoF upper-limb exoskeleton, a 5-DoF wrist-hand exoskeleton and four patients with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Validation was addressed to (i) compare the performance of the proposed motion planning with traditional methods; (ii) assess the generalization capabilities of the proposed method with respect to the environment variability. Three ADLs were chosen to validate the system: drinking, pouring and lifting a light sphere. The achieved results showed a 100% success rate in the task fulfillment, with a high level of generalization with respect to the environment variability. Moreover, an anthropomorphic configuration of the exoskeleton is always ensured. PMID:29527161

Learning by Demonstration for Motion Planning of Upper-Limb Exoskeletons.

PubMed

Lauretti, Clemente; Cordella, Francesca; Ciancio, Anna Lisa; Trigili, Emilio; Catalan, Jose Maria; Badesa, Francisco Javier; Crea, Simona; Pagliara, Silvio Marcello; Sterzi, Silvia; Vitiello, Nicola; Garcia Aracil, Nicolas; Zollo, Loredana

2018-01-01

The reference joint position of upper-limb exoskeletons is typically obtained by means of Cartesian motion planners and inverse kinematics algorithms with the inverse Jacobian; this approach allows exploiting the available Degrees of Freedom (i.e. DoFs) of the robot kinematic chain to achieve the desired end-effector pose; however, if used to operate non-redundant exoskeletons, it does not ensure that anthropomorphic criteria are satisfied in the whole human-robot workspace. This paper proposes a motion planning system, based on Learning by Demonstration, for upper-limb exoskeletons that allow successfully assisting patients during Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) in unstructured environment, while ensuring that anthropomorphic criteria are satisfied in the whole human-robot workspace. The motion planning system combines Learning by Demonstration with the computation of Dynamic Motion Primitives and machine learning techniques to construct task- and patient-specific joint trajectories based on the learnt trajectories. System validation was carried out in simulation and in a real setting with a 4-DoF upper-limb exoskeleton, a 5-DoF wrist-hand exoskeleton and four patients with Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy. Validation was addressed to (i) compare the performance of the proposed motion planning with traditional methods; (ii) assess the generalization capabilities of the proposed method with respect to the environment variability. Three ADLs were chosen to validate the system: drinking, pouring and lifting a light sphere. The achieved results showed a 100% success rate in the task fulfillment, with a high level of generalization with respect to the environment variability. Moreover, an anthropomorphic configuration of the exoskeleton is always ensured.

Prosthetic limb sockets from plant-based composite materials.

PubMed

Campbell, Andrew I; Sexton, Sandra; Schaschke, Carl J; Kinsman, Harry; McLaughlin, Brian; Boyle, Martin

2012-06-01

There is a considerable demand for lower limb prostheses globally due to vascular disease, war, conflict, land mines and natural disasters. Conventional composite materials used for prosthetic limb sockets include acrylic resins, glass and carbon fibres, which produce harmful gasses and dust in their manufacture. To investigate the feasibility of using a renewable plant oil-based polycarbonate-polyurethane copolymer resin and plant fibre composite, instead of conventional materials, to improve safety and accessibility of prosthetic limb manufacture. Experimental, bench research. Test pieces of the resin with a range of plant fibres (10.0% by volume) were prepared and tensile strengths were tested. Test sockets of both conventional composite materials and plant resin with plant fibres were constructed and tested to destruction. Combinations of plant resin and either banana or ramie fibres gave high tensile strengths. The conventional composite material socket and plant resin with ramie composite socket failed at a similar loading, exceeding the ISO 10328 standard. Both wall thickness and fibre-matrix adhesion played a significant role in socket strength. From this limited study we conclude that the plant resin and ramie fibre composite socket has the potential to replace the standard layup. Further mechanical and biocompatibility testing as well as a full economic analysis is required. Using readily sourced and renewable natural fibres and a low-volatile bio-resin has potential to reduce harm to those involved in the manufacture of artificial limb sockets, without compromising socket strength and benefitting clinicians working in poorer countries where safety equipment is scarce. Such composite materials will reduce environmental impact.

EMG-Based Estimation of Limb Movement Using Deep Learning With Recurrent Convolutional Neural Networks.

PubMed

Xia, Peng; Hu, Jie; Peng, Yinghong

2017-10-25

A novel model based on deep learning is proposed to estimate kinematic information for myoelectric control from multi-channel electromyogram (EMG) signals. The neural information of limb movement is embedded in EMG signals that are influenced by all kinds of factors. In order to overcome the negative effects of variability in signals, the proposed model employs the deep architecture combining convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). The EMG signals are transformed to time-frequency frames as the input to the model. The limb movement is estimated by the model that is trained with the gradient descent and backpropagation procedure. We tested the model for simultaneous and proportional estimation of limb movement in eight healthy subjects and compared it with support vector regression (SVR) and CNNs on the same data set. The experimental studies show that the proposed model has higher estimation accuracy and better robustness with respect to time. The combination of CNNs and RNNs can improve the model performance compared with using CNNs alone. The model of deep architecture is promising in EMG decoding and optimization of network structures can increase the accuracy and robustness. © 2017 International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Differences in myoelectric and body-powered upper-limb prostheses: Systematic literature review.

PubMed

Carey, Stephanie L; Lura, Derek J; Highsmith, M Jason

2015-01-01

The choice of a myoelectric or body-powered upper-limb prosthesis can be determined using factors including control, function, feedback, cosmesis, and rejection. Although body-powered and myoelectric control strategies offer unique functions, many prosthesis users must choose one. A systematic review was conducted to determine differences between myoelectric and body-powered prostheses to inform evidence-based clinical practice regarding prescription of these devices and training of users. A search of 9 databases identified 462 unique publications. Ultimately, 31 of them were included and 11 empirical evidence statements were developed. Conflicting evidence has been found in terms of the relative functional performance of body-powered and myoelectric prostheses. Body-powered prostheses have been shown to have advantages in durability, training time, frequency of adjustment, maintenance, and feedback; however, they could still benefit from improvements of control. Myoelectric prostheses have been shown to improve cosmesis and phantom-limb pain and are more accepted for light=intensity work. Currently, evidence is insufficient to conclude that either system provides a significant general advantage. Prosthetic selection should be based on a patient's individual needs and include personal preferences, prosthetic experience, and functional needs. This work demonstrates that there is a lack of empirical evidence regarding functional differences in upper-limb prostheses.

AccessScope project: Accessible light microscope for users with upper limb mobility or visual impairments.

PubMed

Mansoor, Awais; Ahmed, Wamiq M; Samarapungavan, Ala; Cirillo, John; Schwarte, David; Robinson, J Paul; Duerstock, Bradley S

2010-01-01

A web-based application was developed to remotely view slide specimens and control all functions of a research-level light microscopy workstation, called AccessScope. Students and scientists with upper limb mobility and visual impairments are often unable to use a light microscope by themselves and must depend on others in its operation. Users with upper limb mobility impairments and low vision were recruited to assist in the design process of the AccessScope personal computer (PC) user interface. Participants with these disabilities were evaluated in their ability to use AccessScope to perform microscopical tasks. AccessScope usage was compared with inspecting prescanned slide images by grading participants' identification and understanding of histological features and knowledge of microscope operation. With AccessScope subjects were able to independently perform common light microscopy functions through an Internet browser by employing different PC pointing devices or accessibility software according to individual abilities. Subjects answered more histology and microscope usage questions correctly after first participating in an AccessScope test session. AccessScope allowed users with upper limb or visual impairments to successfully perform light microscopy without assistance. This unprecedented capability is crucial for students and scientists with disabilities to perform laboratory coursework or microscope-based research and pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

[Inter-rater agreement on self-reported exposure to ergonomic risk factors for the upper extremities among mechanic assemblers in an automotive industry].

PubMed

d'Errico, Angelo; Fontana, Dario; Merogno, Angela

2016-01-01

to assess reproducibility of self-reported exposure to ergonomic hazards for the upper limbs, measured through a questionnaire based on a diffused checklist for the assessment of ergonomic risk (OCRA) in a sample of mechanical assemblers of an automotive industry. cross-sectional study; reproducibility was assessed as interrater agreement of a composite index of ergonomic risk, estimated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). 58 mechanical assemblers, working in 29 twin areas, characterised by same work stations and tasks. composite index of ergonomic risk for the upper limbs. reproducibility of the ergonomic index was high in the overall sample (ICC: 0.81) and it was higher for the twin areas employing same-gender workers (ICC: 0.96), compared to those with workers of the opposite gender (ICC: 0.66). these results indicate that a questionnaire measuring with a great detail the exposure to the main ergonomic risk factors for the upper limbs, as the one based on the OCRA checklist used for this study, would allow to obtain a highly reproducible ergonomic index. If its validity against the corresponding observational checklist will be found elevated by future studies, this questionnaire may represent a useful tool for a preliminary assessment of workers' exposure to ergonomic hazards for the upper limbs.

The development of the NZ-based international upper limb surgery registry.

PubMed

Sinnott, K A; Dunn, J A; Rothwell, A G; Hall, A S; Post, M W M

2014-08-01

Implementation study. To describe the development and potential value of the New Zealand (NZ) upper limb surgery registry and report the demographic and spinal cord injury characteristics of individuals with tetraplegia collated to date. Multi Center-coordinated from Burwood Spinal Unit, NZ. Following discussions with eight international units, clinical information and outcomes measures were agreed upon for use in this specific population. To implement this consensus, a web-based upper limb surgery registry was developed in NZ. Inclusion criteria included referral to a hand clinic for clinical assessment for suitability for tendon transfer surgery. Clinical data were collected regardless of acceptance of surgery thereby creating a self-selected control group. Twenty-eight years of retrospective NZ data was entered into the registry, as well as 3 years of prospective data collected in NZ. From 1982 to 2013, a total of 357 persons with tetraplegia were assessed as suitable for surgery. Of those, 223 individuals underwent surgery and 134 declined the intervention(s). The prospective group currently comprises 55 assessments with 23 surgery individuals and 32 who have declined surgery to date. Clinical information is now available within a web-based registry for all individuals reviewed in hand clinics from when upper limb surgery was first introduced. A broad range of outcomes of interest can easily be reported directly from the registry. The self-selected control group will allow comparative studies to be explicitly linked to the specific interventions of interest.

Aquatic treadmill water level influence on pelvic limb kinematics in cranial cruciate ligament-deficient dogs with surgically stabilised stifles.

PubMed

Bertocci, G; Smalley, C; Brown, N; Bialczak, K; Carroll, D

2018-02-01

To compare pelvic limb joint kinematics and temporal gait characteristics during land-based and aquatic-based treadmill walking in dogs that have undergone surgical stabilisation for cranial cruciate ligament deficiency. Client-owned dogs with surgically stabilised stifles following cranial cruciate ligament deficiency performed three walking trials consisting of three consecutive gait cycles on an aquatic treadmill under four water levels. Hip, stifle and hock range of motion; peak extension; and peak flexion were assessed for the affected limb at each water level. Gait cycle time and stance phase percentage were also determined. Ten client-owned dogs of varying breeds were evaluated at a mean of 55·2 days postoperatively. Aquatic treadmill water level influenced pelvic limb kinematics and temporal gait outcomes. Increased stifle joint flexion was observed as treadmill water level increased, peaking when the water level was at the hip. Similarly, hip flexion increased at the hip water level. Stifle range of motion was greatest at stifle and hip water levels. Stance phase percentage was significantly decreased when water level was at the hip. Aquatic treadmill walking has become a common rehabilitation modality following surgical stabilisation of cranial cruciate ligament deficiency. However, evidence-based best practice guidelines to enhance stifle kinematics do not exist. Our findings suggest that rehabilitation utilising a water level at or above the stifle will achieve the best stifle kinematics following surgical stifle stabilisation. © 2017 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Safety and efficacy of cell-based therapy on critical limb ischemia: A meta-analysis.

PubMed

Ai, Min; Yan, Chang-Fu; Xia, Fu-Chun; Zhou, Shuang-Lu; He, Jian; Li, Cui-Ping

2016-06-01

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a major health problem worldwide, affecting approximately 500-1000 people per million per annum. Cell-based therapy has given new hope for the treatment of limb ischemia. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of cellular therapy CLI treatment. We searched the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases through October 20, 2015, and selected the controlled trials with cell-based therapy for CLI treatment compared with cell-free treatment. We assessed the results by meta-analysis using a variety of outcome measures, as well as the association of mononuclear cell dosage with treatment effect by dose-response meta-analysis. Twenty-five trials were included. For the primary evaluation index, cell-based therapy significantly reduced the rate of major amputation (odds ratio [OR] 0.44, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.32-0.60, P = 0.000) and significantly increased the rate of amputation-free survival (OR 2.80, 95% CI 1.70-4.61, P = 0.000). Trial sequence analysis indicated that optimal sample size (n = 3374) is needed to detect a plausible treatment effect in all-cause mortality. Cell-based therapy significantly improves ankle brachial index, increases the rate of ulcer healing, increases the transcutaneous pressure of oxygen, reduces limb pain and improves movement ability. Subgroup analysis indicated heterogeneity is caused by type of control, design bias and transplant route. In the dose-response analysis, there was no significant correlation between cell dosage and the therapeutic effect. Cell-based therapy has a significant therapeutic effect on CLI, but randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials are needed to improve the credibility of this conclusion. Assessment of all-cause mortality also requires a larger sample size to arrive at a strong conclusion. In dose-response analysis, increasing the dosage of cell injections does not significantly improve the therapeutic effects of cell-based therapy. Copyright © 2016 International Society for Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Respective and combined effects of impairments in sensorimotor systems and cognition on gait performance: a population-based cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Beauchet, Olivier; Launay, Cyrille P; Fantino, Bruno; Allali, Gilles; Annweiler, Cédric

2015-01-01

Respective and combined effects of impairments in sensorimotor systems and cognition on gait performance have not been fully studied. This study aims to describe the respective effects of impairments in muscle strength, distance vision, lower-limb proprioception and cognition on the Timed Up & Go (TUG) scores (i.e., performed TUG [pTUG], imagined TUG [iTUG] and the time difference between these two tests [delta TUG]) in older community-dwellers; and to examine their combined effects on TUG scores. Based on a cross-sectional design, 1792 community-dwellers (70.2 ± 4.8 years; 53.6% female) were recruited. Gait performance was assessed using pTUG, iTUG and delta TUG. Participants were divided into healthy individuals and 15 subgroups of individuals according to the presence of impairment in one or more subsystems involved in gait control (i.e., muscle strength and/or distance vision and/or lower-limb proprioception and/or cognition [episodic memory and executive performance]). Impairment in muscle strength, distance vision and lower-limb proprioception was defined as being in the lowest tertile of performance. Impairment in cognition was defined as abnormal episodic memory and executive tests. A total of 191 (10.7%) exhibited impairment in muscle strength, 188 (10.5%) in distance vision, 302 (16.9%) in lower-limb proprioception, and 42 (2.3%) in cognition. Linear regressions showed that cognitive impairment as well as dual combinations of impairments were associated with increased pTUG (P<0.02). Impairment in lower-limb proprioception was associated with decreased iTUG (P=0.015). All combinations of impairments, except those including muscle strength and the combinations of the 4 subsystems, were associated with increased delta TUG (P<0.04). Cognitive integrity is central for efficient gait control and stability, whereas lower-limb proprioception seems to be central for gait imagery.

The FReedom from Ischemic Events-New Dimensions for Survival (FRIENDS) registry: design of a prospective cohort study of patients with advanced peripheral artery disease.

PubMed

Keo, Hong H; Duval, Sue; Baumgartner, Iris; Oldenburg, Niki C; Jaff, Michael R; Goldman, JoAnne; Peacock, James M; Tretinyak, Alexander S; Henry, Timothy D; Luepker, Russell V; Hirsch, Alan T

2013-12-19

Advanced lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD), whether presenting as acute limb ischemia (ALI) or chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI), is associated with high rates of cardiovascular ischemic events, amputation, and death. Past research has focused on strategies of revascularization, but few data are available that prospectively evaluate the impact of key process of care factors (spanning pre-admission, acute hospitalization, and post-discharge) that might contribute to improving short and long-term health outcomes. The FRIENDS registry is designed to prospectively evaluate a range of patient and health system care delivery factors that might serve as future targets for efforts to improve limb and systemic outcomes for patients with ALI or CLI. This hypothesis-driven registry was designed to evaluate the contributions of: (i) pre-hospital limb ischemia symptom duration, (ii) use of leg revascularization strategies, and (iii) use of risk-reduction pharmacotherapies, as pre-specified factors that may affect amputation-free survival. Sequential patients would be included at an index "vascular specialist-defined" ALI or CLI episode, and patients excluded only for non-vascular etiologies of limb threat. Data including baseline demographics, functional status, co-morbidities, pre-hospital time segments, and use of medical therapies; hospital-based use of revascularization strategies, time segments, and pharmacotherapies; and rates of systemic ischemic events (e.g., myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization, and death) and limb ischemic events (e.g., hospitalization for revascularization or amputation) will be recorded during a minimum of one year follow-up. The FRIENDS registry is designed to evaluate the potential impact of key factors that may contribute to adverse outcomes for patients with ALI or CLI. Definition of new "health system-based" therapeutic targets could then become the focus of future interventional clinical trials for individuals with advanced PAD.

Safety and efficacy of stenting nonthrombotic iliac vein lesions in octogenarians and nonagenarians in an office setting.

PubMed

Kibrik, Pavel; Eisenberg, Justin; Alsheekh, Ahmad; Rizvi, Syed Ali; Aurshina, Afsha; Marks, Natalie; Hingorani, Anil; Ascher, Enrico

2018-02-01

Objectives Treatment options for venous insufficiency are rapidly evolving in the office setting and include venography, intravascular ultrasound, and venous stenting. Non-thrombotic iliac vein lesions assessment and treatment in an office setting is currently an area of interest. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of evaluating non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion with this office-based procedure in octogenarians and nonagenarians. Methods From January 2012 through December 2013, 300 non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion limbs in 192 patients with venous insufficiency ≥80 years old were evaluated for non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion. Patients were evaluated and treated with venography, intravascular ultrasound, and stent placement for significant lesions demonstrated by greater than 50% diameter or cross-sectional area reduction. Group 1: 168 of these patients were octogenarians; female/male ratio was 1.75:1, bilateral in 89/168 patients (53%), left sided in 131/259 limbs (51%), right sided in 128 limbs (49%), average age 83.5 ± 2.6 years (range 80-89) compared to Group 2: 24 nonagenarians; female/male was 3:1, bilateral in 17/24 patients (70%), left sided in 20/41 limbs (49%), right sided in 21/41 limbs (51%), average age 92.9 ± 2.2 years (range 90-99). Stent related outcomes were evaluated with communication to the patient within 24 h to assess post-procedure pain followed by serial iliocaval ultrasonography. Results Out of the 300 limbs evaluated, in Group 1, 86% of limbs had stents placed compared to 90% in Group 2 and 11% of both groups had two stents placed. Overall improvement in pain, edema, and ulcers was reported in 147 (59%) of octogenarians and 24 (65%) of nonagenarians. There were no surgical site infections, pseudo-aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, or femoral artery injuries. No patients required transfusion within three days post-operatively and there were no 30-day mortalities in both sets of patients. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that there is no statistical difference in the outcome of performing venography, intravascular ultrasound, and stent placement in an office-based setting in octogenarians and nonagenarians. Both groups maintained a similar safety profile with low morbidity and mortality. In conclusion, we believe that the treatment of non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion in an office-based setting is safe and efficacious in both groups.

Flight Calibration of the LROC Narrow Angle Camera

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Humm, D. C.; Tschimmel, M.; Brylow, S. M.; Mahanti, P.; Tran, T. N.; Braden, S. E.; Wiseman, S.; Danton, J.; Eliason, E. M.; Robinson, M. S.

2016-04-01

Characterization and calibration are vital for instrument commanding and image interpretation in remote sensing. The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera Narrow Angle Camera (LROC NAC) takes 500 Mpixel greyscale images of lunar scenes at 0.5 meters/pixel. It uses two nominally identical line scan cameras for a larger crosstrack field of view. Stray light, spatial crosstalk, and nonlinearity were characterized using flight images of the Earth and the lunar limb. These are important for imaging shadowed craters, studying ˜1 meter size objects, and photometry respectively. Background, nonlinearity, and flatfield corrections have been implemented in the calibration pipeline. An eight-column pattern in the background is corrected. The detector is linear for DN = 600--2000 but a signal-dependent additive correction is required and applied for DN<600. A predictive model of detector temperature and dark level was developed to command dark level offset. This avoids images with a cutoff at DN=0 and minimizes quantization error in companding. Absolute radiometric calibration is derived from comparison of NAC images with ground-based images taken with the Robotic Lunar Observatory (ROLO) at much lower spatial resolution but with the same photometric angles.

Temperature Trends in the Polar Mesosphere between 2002-2007 using TIMED/SABER Data

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, Richard A.; Kutepov, Alexander A.; Pesnell, William Dean; Latteck, Ralph; Russell, James M.

2008-01-01

The TIMED Satellite was launched on December 7, 2001 to study the dynamics and energy of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The TIMED/SABER instrument is a limb scanning infrared radiometer designed to measure a large number of minor constituents as well as the temperature of the region. In this study, we have concentrated on the polar mesosphere, to investigate the temperature characteristics as a function of spatial and temporal considerations. We used the recently revised SABER dataset (1.07) that contains improved temperature retrievals in the Earth polar summer regions. Weekly averages are used to make comparisons between the winter and summer, as well as to study the variability in different quadrants of each hemisphere. For each year studied, the duration of polar summer based on temperature measurements compares favorably with the PMSE (Polar Mesospheric Summer Echoes) season measured by radar at the ALOMAR Observatory in Norway (69 N). The PMSE period should also define the summer period suitable for the occurrence of polar mesospheric clouds. The unusual short and relatively warm polar summer in the northern hemisphere

Mesospheric Water Vapor Retrieved from SABER/TIMED Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feofilov, Arte, G.; Yankovsky, Valentine A.; Marshall, Benjamin T.; Russell, J. M., III; Pesnell, W. D.; Kutepov, Alexander A.; Goldberg, Richard A.; Gordley, Larry L.; Petelina, Svetlama; Mauilova, Rada O.;

Atmospheric corrections for TIMS estimated emittance

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Warner, T. A.; Levandowski, D. W.

1992-01-01

The estimated temperature of the average of 500 lines of Thermal Infrared Multispectral Scanner (TIMS) data of the Pacific Ocean, from flight line 94, collected on 30 Sep. 1988, at 1931 GMT is shown. With no atmospheric corrections, estimated temperature decreases away from nadir (the center of the scan line). A LOWTRAN modeled correction, using local radiosonde data and instrument scan angle information, results in reversed limb darkening effects for most bands, and does not adequately correct all bands to the same temperature. The atmosphere tends to re-radiate energy at the wavelengths at which it most absorbs, and thus the overall difference between corrected and uncorrected temperatures is approximately 40 C, despite the average LOWTRAN calculated transmittance of only 60 percent between 8.1 and 11.6 microns. An alternative approach to atmospheric correction is a black body normalization. This is done by calculating a normalization factor for each pixel position and wavelength, which when applied results in a single calculated temperature, as would be expected for a gray body with near uniform emittance. The black body adjustment is based on the atmospheric conditions over the sea. The ground elevation profile along the remaining 3520 scan lines (approximately 10 km) of flight line 94, up the slopes of Kilauea, determined from aircraft pressure and laser altimeter data is shown. This flight line includes a large amount of vegetation that is clearly discernible on the radiance image, being much cooler than the surrounding rocks. For each of the 3520 scan lines, pixels were classified as vegetation or 'other'. A moving average of 51 lines was applied to the composite vegetation emittance for each scan line, to reduce noise. Assuming vegetation to be like water, and to act as gray body with an emittance of 0.986 across the spectrum, it is shown that that the LOWTRAN induced artifacts are severe, and other than for the 0.9.9 micron channel, not significantly different from applying no corrections at all. As expected, with increasing elevation atmospheric effects are slightly reduced, because moisture tends to be concentrated in the lowermost part of the atmosphere. The black body adjustment is highly robust, and even at elevations nearly 600 meters above the sea, remains an alternative procedure for use in calculating emittance.

The Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) Limb Profiler (LP) Version 1 aerosol extinction retrieval algorithm: theoretical basis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Loughman, Robert; Bhartia, Pawan K.; Chen, Zhong; Xu, Philippe; Nyaku, Ernest; Taha, Ghassan

2018-05-01

The theoretical basis of the Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite (OMPS) Limb Profiler (LP) Version 1 aerosol extinction retrieval algorithm is presented. The algorithm uses an assumed bimodal lognormal aerosol size distribution to retrieve aerosol extinction profiles at 675 nm from OMPS LP radiance measurements. A first-guess aerosol extinction profile is updated by iteration using the Chahine nonlinear relaxation method, based on comparisons between the measured radiance profile at 675 nm and the radiance profile calculated by the Gauss-Seidel limb-scattering (GSLS) radiative transfer model for a spherical-shell atmosphere. This algorithm is discussed in the context of previous limb-scattering aerosol extinction retrieval algorithms, and the most significant error sources are enumerated. The retrieval algorithm is limited primarily by uncertainty about the aerosol phase function. Horizontal variations in aerosol extinction, which violate the spherical-shell atmosphere assumed in the version 1 algorithm, may also limit the quality of the retrieved aerosol extinction profiles significantly.

The Evolution of Lineage-Specific Regulatory Activities in the Human Embryonic Limb

PubMed Central

Cotney, Justin; Leng, Jing; Yin, Jun; Reilly, Steven K.; DeMare, Laura E.; Emera, Deena; Ayoub, Albert E.; Rakic, Pasko; Noonan, James P.

2013-01-01

SUMMARY The evolution of human anatomical features likely involved changes in gene regulation during development. However, the nature and extent of human-specific developmental regulatory functions remain unknown. We obtained a genome-wide view of cis-regulatory evolution in human embryonic tissues by comparing the histone modification H3K27ac, which provides a quantitative readout of promoter and enhancer activity, during human, rhesus, and mouse limb development. Based on increased H3K27ac, we find that 13% of promoters and 11% of enhancers have gained activity on the human lineage since the human-rhesus divergence. These gains largely arose by modification of ancestral regulatory activities in the limb or potential co-option from other tissues and are likely to have heterogeneous genetic causes. Most enhancers that exhibit gain of activity in humans originated in mammals. Gains at promoters and enhancers in the human limb are associated with increased gene expression, suggesting they include molecular drivers of human morphological evolution. PMID:23827682

Finite State Machine with Adaptive Electromyogram (EMG) Feature Extraction to Drive Meal Assistance Robot

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xiu; Wang, Xingyu; Wang, Bei; Sugi, Takenao; Nakamura, Masatoshi

Surface electromyogram (EMG) from elbow, wrist and hand has been widely used as an input of multifunction prostheses for many years. However, for patients with high-level limb deficiencies, muscle activities in upper-limbs are not strong enough to be used as control signals. In this paper, EMG from lower-limbs is acquired and applied to drive a meal assistance robot. An onset detection method with adaptive threshold based on EMG power is proposed to recognize different muscle contractions. Predefined control commands are output by finite state machine (FSM), and applied to operate the robot. The performance of EMG control is compared with joystick control by both objective and subjective indices. The results show that FSM provides the user with an easy-performing control strategy, which successfully operates robots with complicated control commands by limited muscle motions. The high accuracy and comfortableness of the EMG-control meal assistance robot make it feasible for users with upper limbs motor disabilities.

Endovascular treatment of atherosclerotic popliteal artery disease based on dynamic angiography findings.

PubMed

Cui, Chaoyi; Huang, Xintian; Liu, Xiaobing; Li, Weimin; Lu, Xinwu; Lu, Min; Jiang, Mier; Yin, Minyi

2017-01-01

To evaluate efficacy, safety, and midterm patency of endovascular treatment of obstructive popliteal artery (PA) disease. A retrospective evaluation of patients with atherosclerotic PA disease who underwent percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty and provisional stent, based on both conventional and dynamic angiographies, was conducted from June 2011 to June 2014. Forty-three patients were included in the study, and most patients had limited surgical revascularization options. Demographic characteristics, angiographic findings, interventional data, complications, vessel patency, limb salvage rates, and survival rates were analyzed. The median lesion length was 5 cm with 72.1% having total occlusions. The second popliteal segment (P2) was involved most frequently (60.5%, n = 26). Critical limb ischemia was present in 69.8%. The technical success rate was 92.9% (42/43 limbs), with 29 cases requiring adjunctive nitinol stents after balloon angioplasty (47.6% based on conventional angiography, 21.4% based on dynamic angiography, and 4.8% additional stents based on dynamic angiography). Complications included thromboembolism (2.3%), perforation (2.3%), pseudoaneurysm (2.3%), and myocardial infarction (2.3%). Stent fracture was present in three cases (7.1%) during the mean follow-up period of 18.3 months. The baseline ankle-brachial index significantly improved after the intervention, from 0.49 ± 0.11 to 0.92 ± 0.14 (P < .01). The Rutherford-Becker class decreased from 3.95 ± 0.76 to 1.76 ± 0.95 (P < .01) at 12 months. The 1-year primary, primary-assisted, and secondary patency rates were 75.2% ± 6.8%, 82.4% ± 6.0%, and 89.9% ± 4.8%, respectively. The limb salvage and amputation-free survival rates at 12 months were 91.6% and 87.0%, respectively. Balloon angioplasty with a provisional stent based on dynamic angiography is a feasible, safe, and effective therapy for patients with obstructive PA disease. Although the occurrence of stent fracture is still inevitable, patients with critical limb ischemia who have limited surgical options may get more benefits from the endovascular treatment of PA obstructive diseases. Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Intercomparison of daytime stratospheric NO2 satellite retrievals and model simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Belmonte Rivas, M.; Veefkind, P.; Boersma, F.; Levelt, P.; Eskes, H.; Gille, J.

2014-01-01

This paper evaluates the agreement between stratospheric NO2 retrievals from infrared limb sounders (MIPAS and HIRDLS) and solar UV/VIS backscatter sensors (OMI, SCIAMACHY limb and nadir) over the 2005-2007 period and across the seasons. The observational agreement is contrasted with the representation of NO2 profiles in 3-D chemical transport models such as the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (SD-WACCM) and TM4. A conclusion central to this work is that the definition of a reference for stratospheric NO2 columns formed by consistent agreement among SCIAMACHY, MIPAS and HIRDLS limb records (all of which agree to within 0.25 × 1015 molecules cm-2 or better than 10%) allows us to draw attention to relative errors in other datasets, e.g.: (1) the WACCM model overestimates NO2 densities in the extratropical lower stratosphere, particularly over northern latitudes by up to 35% relative to limb observations, and (2) there are remarkable discrepancies between stratospheric NO2 column estimates from limb and nadir techniques, with a characteristic seasonal and latitude dependent pattern. We find that SCIAMACHY nadir and OMI stratospheric columns show overall biases of -0.6 × 1015 molecules cm-2 (-20%) and +0.6 × 10 15 molecules cm-2 (+20%) relative to limb observations. It is highlighted that biases in nadir stratospheric columns are not expected to affect tropospheric retrievals significantly, and that they can be attributed to errors in the total slant column density, either related to algorithmic or instrumental effects. In order to obtain accurate and long time series of stratospheric NO2, a critical evaluation of the currently used Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) approaches to nadir retrievals becomes essential, as well as their agreement to limb and ground-based observations, particularly now that limb techniques are giving way to nadir observations as the next generation of climate and air quality monitoring instruments pushes forth.

Validation of the virtual elevation field test method when assessing the aerodynamics of para-cyclists with a uni-lateral trans-tibial amputation.

PubMed

Dyer, Bryce; Disley, B Xavier

2018-02-01

Lower-limb amputees typically require some form of prosthetic limb to ride a bicycle for recreation or when competing. At elite-level racing speeds, aerodynamic drag can represent the majority of the resistance acting against a cyclists' forward motion. As a result, the reduction of such resistance is beneficial to an amputee whereby the form and function of the prosthetic limb can be optimized through engineering. To measure the performance of such limbs, field testing provides a cost-effective and context-specific method of aerodynamic drag measurement. However, few methods have been formally validated and none have been applied to amputees with lower-limb amputations. In this paper, an elite level para-cyclist wore two different prosthetic limb designs and had their total aerodynamic drag of a wind tunnel reference method statistically correlated against a velodrome-based virtual elevation field test method. The calculated coefficient of variation was in the range of 0.7-0.9% for the wind tunnel method and 2-3% for the virtual elevation method. A 0.03 m 2 difference was identified in the absolute values recorded between the two methods. Ultimately, both methods exhibited high levels of precision, yet relative results to each other. The virtual elevation method is proposed as a suitable technique to assess the aerodynamic drag of amputee para-cyclists. Implications for rehabilitation This assessment method will provide practitioners a reliable means of assessing the impact of changes made to prosthetics design for cyclists with limb absence. The proposed method offers a low cost and geographically accessible solution compared to others proposed in the past. This assessment method has significant potential for impact among prosthetic limb users looking to improve their cycling performance whereas previous attention in this field has been extremely limited.

Pain and pain-related interference in adults with lower-limb amputation: comparison of knee-disarticulation, transtibial, and transfemoral surgical sites.

PubMed

Behr, James; Friedly, Janna; Molton, Ivan; Morgenroth, David; Jensen, Mark P; Smith, Douglas G

2009-01-01

Pain and pain-related interference with physical function have not been thoroughly studied in individuals who have undergone knee-disarticulation amputations. The principal aim of this study was to determine whether individuals with knee-disarticulation amputations have worse pain and pain-related interference with physical function than do individuals with transtibial or transfemoral amputations. We analyzed cross-sectional survey data provided by 42 adults with lower-limb amputations. These individuals consisted of 14 adults reporting knee-disarticulation amputation in one limb and best-matched cases (14 reporting transfemoral amputation and 14 reporting transtibial amputation) from a larger cross-sectional sample of 472 individuals. Participants were rigorously matched based on time since amputation, reason for amputation, age, sex, diabetes diagnosis, and pain before amputation. Continuous outcome variables were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Categorical outcomes were analyzed by Pearson chi-square statistic. Given the relatively small sample size and power concerns, mean differences were also described by estimated effect size (Cohen's d). Of the 42 participants, 83% were male. They ranged in age from 36 to 85 (median = 55.1, standard deviation = 11.0). Most amputations were of traumatic origin (74%), and participants were on average 12.4 years from their amputations at the time of the survey. Individuals with transtibial amputation reported significantly more prosthesis use than did individuals with knee-disarticulation amputation. Amputation levels did not significantly differ in phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, back pain, and pain-related interference with physical function. Estimates of effect size, however, indicated that participants with knee-disarticulation amputation reported less phantom limb pain, phantom limb pain-related interference with physical function, residual limb pain, residual limb pain-related interference with physical function, and back pain-related interference with physical function than did participants with transtibial or transfemoral amputations. This study demonstrated that patients with knee-disarticulation amputation used prostheses significantly less than did patients with transtibial amputation. However, no evidence was found that patients with knee-disarticulation amputation have worse outcomes in terms of pain and pain-related interference with physical function; in fact, they may have more favorable long-term outcomes.

Effect of Increased Intensity of Physiotherapy on Patient Outcomes After Stroke: An Evidence-Based Analysis

PubMed Central

Sehatzadeh, S

2015-01-01

Background After stroke, impairment of the upper and lower limb can limit patients’ motor function and ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Physiotherapy (PT) is an established clinical practice for stroke patients, playing an important role in improving limb function. Recently, several randomized trials have evaluated the effect of higher-intensity physiotherapy (increased duration and/or frequency) on patients’ functional ability. Objectives Our objective is to investigate whether an increased intensity of PT after stroke results in better outcomes for patients. Data Sources A literature search was performed on June 7, 2013, for English-language randomized controlled trials published from January 1, 2003, to June 7, 2013. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid Embase, EBSCO Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and EBM Reviews were searched. Review Methods We reviewed the full text of articles that compared 2 or more levels of PT intensity. Outcomes of interest included motor function, ADL, and quality of life (QOL). Results High-quality evidence showed that higher-intensity upper-limb PT and higher-intensity lower-limb PT both resulted in significantly greater improvements in motor function. Moderate-quality evidence showed that higher-intensity general PT did not. Moderate-quality evidence showed a significant improvement in ADL performance with higher-intensity upper-limb PT, but no improvement with higher-intensity general PT; no studies reported on ADL outcomes on lower-limb PT specifically. According to moderate-quality evidence, patient QOL did not change significantly after increased intensity of upper-limb, lower-limb, or general PT. When considering the results, one difference should be noted: Compared with the studies examining upper- and lower-limb PT, the studies examining general PT looked at a smaller increase—2 hours or less of additional therapy per week. Limitations This analysis is limited to the earlier post-stroke phase and is not equipped to comment on expected outcomes of later-stage PT. Conclusions Overall, this analysis found support for the use of more intensive PT to improve motor function and ability to perform ADL after stroke. PMID:26356355

Management of limb fractures in a teaching hospital: comparison between Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes.

PubMed

Min, Li; Tu, Chong-qi; Liu, Lei; Zhang, Wen-li; Yi, Min; Song, Yue-ming; Huang, Fu-guo; Yang, Tian-fu; Pei, Fu-xing

2013-01-01

To comparatively analyze the medical records of patients with limb fractures as well as rescue strategy in Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes so as to provide references for post-earthquake rescue. We retrospectively investigated 944 patients sustaining limb fractures, including 891 in Wenchuan earthquake and 53 in Yushu earthquake, who were admitted to West China Hospital (WCH) of Sichuan University. In Wenchuan earthquake, WCH met its three peaks of limb fracture patients influx, on post-earthquake day (PED) 2, 8 and 14 respectively. Between PED 3-14, 585 patients were transferred from WCH to other hospitals outside the Sichuan Province. In Yushu earthquake, the maximum influx of limb fracture patients happened on PED 3, and no one was shifted to other hospitals. Both in Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes, most limb fractures were caused by blunt strike and crush/burying. In Wenchuan earthquake, there were 396 (396/942, 42.0%) open limb fractures, including 28 Gustilo I, 201 Gustilo II and 167 Gustilo III injuries. But in Yushu earthquake, the incidence of open limb fracture was much lower (6/61, 9.8%). The percent of patients with acute complications in Wenchuan earthquake (167/891, 18.7%) was much higher than that in Yushu earthquake (5/53, 3.8%). In Wenchuan earthquake rescue, 1 018 surgeries were done, composed of debridement in 376, internal fixation in 283, external fixation in 119, and vacuum sealing drainage in 117, etc. While among the 64 surgeries in Yushu earthquake rescue, the internal fixation for limb fracture was mostly adopted. All patients received proper treatment and survived except one who died due to multiple organs failure in Wenchuan earthquake. Provision of suitable and sufficient medical care in a catastrophe can only be achieved by construction of sophisticated national disaster medical system, prediction of the injury types and number of injuries, and confirmation of participating hospitals?exact role. Based on the valuable rescue experiences after Wenchuan earthquake, the rescue was faster, more orderly and effective in Yushu earthquake. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go in the development of a stronger emergent response to the disasters.

Upper and lower limb functionality: are these compromised in obese children?

PubMed

Riddiford-Harland, Diane L; Steele, Julie R; Baur, Louise A

2006-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity on upper and lower limb functional strength and power in children, and to determine whether the ability to perform the daily activity of rising from a chair was compromised in obese children. It was hypothesised that obese children would display less upper and lower limb functionality compared to their non-obese counterparts. Upper and lower limb strength and power of 43 obese children (aged 8.4 +/- 0.5 y, BMI 24.1 +/- 2.3 kg/m(-2)) and 43 non-obese controls (aged 8.4 +/- 0.5 y, BMI 16.9 +/- 0.4 kg/m(-2)) were assessed using age-appropriate field-based tests: arm push/pull ability; basketball throw; vertical jump (VJ), and standing long jump (SLJ) performance. Functional lower limb strength was assessed for 13 obese and 13 non-obese children by quantifying their chair rising ability. Although obese children displayed significantly greater upper limb push (9.3 +/- 2.3 kg) and pull strength (9.6 +/- 3.0 kg) than their non-obese peers (push: 8.8 +/- 2.2 kg; pull: 8.8 +/- 2.3 kg; p < or = 0.05), their VJ (22.1 +/- 4.3 cm) and SLJ (94.6 +/- 12.8 cm) performance was significantly impaired relative to the non-obese children (VJ: 24.7 +/- 4.0 cm; SLJ: 101.7 +/- 14.0 cm; p < or = 0.05). Obese children spent significantly more time during all transfer phases of the chair rising task, compared to the non-obese children. Lower limb functionality in young obese children is impeded when they move their greater body mass against gravity.

100 top-cited scientific papers in limb prosthetics.

PubMed

Eshraghi, Arezoo; Osman, Noor Azuan Abu; Gholizadeh, Hossein; Ali, Sadeeq; Shadgan, Babak

2013-11-17

Research has tremendously contributed to the developments in both practical and fundamental aspects of limb prosthetics. These advancements are reflected in scientific articles, particularly in the most cited papers. This article aimed to identify the 100 top-cited articles in the field of limb prosthetics and to investigate their main characteristics. Articles related to the field of limb prosthetics and published in the Web of Knowledge database of the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) from the period of 1980 to 2012. The 100 most cited articles in limb prosthetics were selected based on the citation index report. All types of articles except for proceedings and letters were included in the study. The study design and level of evidence were determined using Sackett's initial rules of evidence. The level of evidence was categorized either as a systematic review or meta-analysis, randomized controlled trial, cohort study, case-control study, case series, expert opinion, or design and development. The top cited articles in prosthetics were published from 1980 to 2012 with a citation range of 11 to 90 times since publication. The mean citation rate was 24.43 (SD 16.7) times. Eighty-four percent of the articles were original publications and were most commonly prospective (76%) and case series studies (67%) that used human subjects (96%) providing level 4 evidence. Among the various fields, rehabilitation (47%), orthopedics (29%), and sport sciences (28%) were the most common fields of study. The study established that studies conducted in North America and were written in English had the highest citations. Top cited articles primarily dealt with lower limb prosthetics, specifically, on transtibial and transradial prosthetic limbs. Majority of the articles were experimental studies.

Longitudinal kinematic and kinetic adaptations to obstacle crossing in recent lower limb amputees.

PubMed

Barnett, Cleveland T; Polman, Remco C J; Vanicek, Natalie

2014-12-01

Obstacle crossing is an important activity of daily living, necessary to avoid tripping or falling, although it is not fully understood how transtibial amputees adapt to performing this activity of daily living following discharge from rehabilitation. The objective of this study was to investigate the longitudinal adaptations in obstacle crossing in transtibial amputees post-discharge from rehabilitation. Longitudinal repeated measures. Seven unilateral transtibial amputees crossed an obstacle 0.1m high positioned along a walkway while kinematic and kinetic data were recorded at 1, 3 and 6 months post-discharge. At 6 months post-discharge, walking velocity had increased (0.17 m.s(-1)) with most participants self-selecting an intact lead limb preference. During swing phase, peak knee flexion (p = 0.03) and peak knee power absorption (K4; p = 0.01) were greater with an intact versus affected lead limb preference. Having crossed the obstacle, intact limb peak ankle power generation in pre-swing (A2; p = 0.01) and knee power absorption (K3; p = 0.05) during stance phase were greater when compared to the affected limb. Obstacle crossing improved, although a greater reliance on intact limb function was highlighted. Results suggested that further improvements to locomotor performance may be obtained by increasing affected limb knee range of motion and concentric and eccentric strength of the knee extensors and flexors. The novel objective data from this study establish an understanding of how recent transtibial amputees adapt to performing obstacle crossing following discharge from rehabilitation. This allows for evidence-based clinical interventions to be developed, aimed at optimising biomechanical function, thus improving overall locomotor performance and perhaps subsequent quality of life. © The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2013.

Periodic Limb Movements During Sleep: Population Prevalence, Clinical Correlates, and Racial Differences

PubMed Central

Scofield, Holly; Roth, Thomas; Drake, Christopher

2008-01-01

Study Objective: There is growing interest in the study of periodic limb movements during sleep and their potential clinical correlates. The aim of the present analysis is to address the lack of population-based studies using polysomnographic (PSG) measures to determine the prevalence of period limb movements during sleep in specific racial groups as well as the general population. Settings and participants: A community-based sample of 592 participants drawn from the general population of tricounty Detroit (mean age = 41.9 ± 12.6 years; 52.9% F; 31.5% African American). All individuals were assessed using objective and subjective measures in the sleep laboratory. Measurements: Participants were evaluated during a 24-h laboratory assessment, including a polysomnogram and multiple sleep latency test. Periodic leg movements were scored using standard criteria. Reports of sleep disturbance and daytime sleepiness were also assessed using standardized measures including the Global Sleep Assessment Questionnaire (GSAQ) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results: The overall prevalence of periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMSI >15) was 7.6%. African Americans had a lower prevalence of PLMSI >15 than Caucasians (4.3% vs. 9.3%; Χ2 = 4.5, P < 0.05). Regardless of race, symptoms of insomnia were significantly higher in individuals with PLMSI >15 than in those with PLMSI ≤15 (45% vs. 25%; Χ2 = 6.84, P < 0.01). Conclusion: This is the first study to determine the prevalence of PLMS in a population-based sample using standardized objective criteria. A key finding of the present study is that racial differences in this PSG parameter do exist, with African Americans being less likely to have elevated PLMS. Citation: Scofield H; Roth T; Drake C. Periodic limb movements during sleep: population prevalence, clinical correlates, and racial differences. SLEEP 2008;31(9):1221-1227. PMID:18788647

Kinect-based virtual rehabilitation and evaluation system for upper limb disorders: A case study.

PubMed

Ding, W L; Zheng, Y Z; Su, Y P; Li, X L

2018-04-19

To help patients with disabilities of the arm and shoulder recover the accuracy and stability of movements, a novel and simple virtual rehabilitation and evaluation system called the Kine-VRES system was developed using Microsoft Kinect. First, several movements and virtual tasks were designed to increase the coordination, control and speed of the arm movements. The movements of the patients were then captured using the Kinect sensor, and kinematics-based interaction and real-time feedback were integrated into the system to enhance the motivation and self-confidence of the patient. Finally, a quantitative evaluation method of upper limb movements was provided using the recorded kinematics during hand-to-hand movement. A preliminary study of this rehabilitation system indicates that the shoulder movements of two participants with ataxia became smoother after three weeks of training (one hour per day). This case study demonstrated the effectiveness of the designed system, which could be promising for the rehabilitation of patients with upper limb disorders.

An Investigation into a Gear-Based Knee Joint Designed for Lower Limb Prosthesis.

PubMed

Bhuiyan, M S H; Choudhury, I A; Dahari, M; Nukman, Y; Dawal, S Z

2017-01-01

A gear-based knee joint is designed to improve the performance of mechanical-type above-knee prostheses. The gear set with the help of some bracing, and bracket arrangement, is used to enable the prosthesis to follow the residual limb movement. The motion analysis and finite-element analysis (FEA) of knee joint components are carried out to assess the feasibility of the design. The maximum stress of 29.74 MPa and maximum strain of 2.393e-004 are obtained in the gear, whereas the maximum displacement of 7.975 mm occurred in the stopper of the knee arrangement. The factor of safety of 3.5 obtained from the FE analysis indicated no possibility of design failure. The results obtained from the FE analysis are then compared with the real data obtained from the literature for a similar subject. The pattern of motion analysis results has shown a great resemblance with the gait cycle of a healthy biological limb.

An Investigation into a Gear-Based Knee Joint Designed for Lower Limb Prosthesis

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

A gear-based knee joint is designed to improve the performance of mechanical-type above-knee prostheses. The gear set with the help of some bracing, and bracket arrangement, is used to enable the prosthesis to follow the residual limb movement. The motion analysis and finite-element analysis (FEA) of knee joint components are carried out to assess the feasibility of the design. The maximum stress of 29.74 MPa and maximum strain of 2.393e−004 are obtained in the gear, whereas the maximum displacement of 7.975 mm occurred in the stopper of the knee arrangement. The factor of safety of 3.5 obtained from the FE analysis indicated no possibility of design failure. The results obtained from the FE analysis are then compared with the real data obtained from the literature for a similar subject. The pattern of motion analysis results has shown a great resemblance with the gait cycle of a healthy biological limb. PMID:28584518

Asynchronous steady-state visual evoked potential based BCI control of a 2-DoF artificial upper limb.

PubMed

Horki, Petar; Neuper, Christa; Pfurtscheller, Gert; Müller-Putz, Gernot

2010-12-01

A brain-computer interface (BCI) provides a direct connection between the human brain and a computer. One type of BCI can be realized using steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs), resulting from repetitive stimulation. The aim of this study was the realization of an asynchronous SSVEP-BCI, based on canonical correlation analysis, suitable for the control of a 2-degrees of freedom (DoF) hand and elbow neuroprosthesis. To determine whether this BCI is suitable for the control of 2-DoF neuroprosthetic devices, online experiments with a virtual and a robotic limb feedback were conducted with eight healthy subjects and one tetraplegic patient. All participants were able to control the artificial limbs with the BCI. In the online experiments, the positive predictive value (PPV) varied between 69% and 83% and the false negative rate (FNR) varied between 1% and 17%. The spinal cord injured patient achieved PPV and FNR values within one standard deviation of the mean for all healthy subjects.

Audio-Visual Stimulation in Conjunction with Functional Electrical Stimulation to Address Upper Limb and Lower Limb Movement Disorder.

PubMed

Kumar, Deepesh; Verma, Sunny; Bhattacharya, Sutapa; Lahiri, Uttama

2016-06-13

Neurological disorders often manifest themselves in the form of movement deficit on the part of the patient. Conventional rehabilitation often used to address these deficits, though powerful are often monotonous in nature. Adequate audio-visual stimulation can prove to be motivational. In the research presented here we indicate the applicability of audio-visual stimulation to rehabilitation exercises to address at least some of the movement deficits for upper and lower limbs. Added to the audio-visual stimulation, we also use Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES). In our presented research we also show the applicability of FES in conjunction with audio-visual stimulation delivered through VR-based platform for grasping skills of patients with movement disorder.

In-flight control and communication architecture of the GLORIA imaging limb sounder on atmospheric research aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kretschmer, E.; Bachner, M.; Blank, J.; Dapp, R.; Ebersoldt, A.; Friedl-Vallon, F.; Guggenmoser, T.; Gulde, T.; Hartmann, V.; Lutz, R.; Maucher, G.; Neubert, T.; Oelhaf, H.; Preusse, P.; Schardt, G.; Schmitt, C.; Schönfeld, A.; Tan, V.

2015-06-01

The Gimballed Limb Observer for Radiance Imaging of the Atmosphere (GLORIA), a Fourier-transform-spectrometer-based limb spectral imager, operates on high-altitude research aircraft to study the transit region between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It is one of the most sophisticated systems to be flown on research aircraft in Europe, requiring constant monitoring and human intervention in addition to an automation system. To ensure proper functionality and interoperability on multiple platforms, a flexible control and communication system was laid out. The architectures of the communication system as well as the protocols used are reviewed. The integration of this architecture in the automation process as well as the scientific campaign flight application context are discussed.

In-flight control and communication architecture of the GLORIA imaging limb-sounder on atmospheric research aircraft

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kretschmer, E.; Bachner, M.; Blank, J.; Dapp, R.; Ebersoldt, A.; Friedl-Vallon, F.; Guggenmoser, T.; Gulde, T.; Hartmann, V.; Lutz, R.; Maucher, G.; Neubert, T.; Oelhaf, H.; Preusse, P.; Schardt, G.; Schmitt, C.; Schönfeld, A.; Tan, V.

2015-02-01

The Gimballed Limb Observer for Radiance Imaging of the Atmosphere (GLORIA), a Fourier transform spectrometer based limb spectral imager, operates on high-altitude research aircraft to study the transit region between the troposphere and the stratosphere. It is one of the most sophisticated systems to be flown on research aircraft in Europe, requiring constant monitoring and human intervention in addition to an automation system. To ensure proper functionality and interoperability on multiple platforms, a flexible control and communication system was laid out. The architectures of the communication system as well as the protocols used are reviewed. The integration of this architecture in the automation process as well as the scientific campaign flight application context are discussed.

[Rehabilitation and algodystrophies].

PubMed

Simon, L; Blotman, F; Leroux, J L; Claustre, J; Azema, M J; Brun-Meyer, M

1982-12-01

Based on 20 years experience, and a personal series of 272 cases of reflex dystrophy (84 cases involving upper limbs, 188 cases involving lower limbs) admitted under a rheumatology unit equipped with all the available techniques of rehabilitative medicine, the authors stress the value of well conducted functional rehabilitation which, even alone, can obtain excellent results in the treatment of this disease, whatever the stage. The authors detail the modalities of this treatment. A local intra-articular or intra-canal injection of corticosteroids permits pain-free physiotherapy. The mobilisation of the lower limb is an urgent priority. Non-aggressive physiotherapeutic techniques should be adapted to the stage and the site of reflex dystrophy. Hydrokinesitherapy and the adaptation of craft techniques to occupational therapy also play an important part.

Spotted star light curve numerical modeling technique and its application to HII 1883 surface imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kolbin, A. I.; Shimansky, V. V.

2014-04-01

We developed a code for imaging the surfaces of spotted stars by a set of circular spots with a uniform temperature distribution. The flux from the spotted surface is computed by partitioning the spots into elementary areas. The code takes into account the passing of spots behind the visible stellar limb, limb darkening, and overlapping of spots. Modeling of light curves includes the use of recent results of the theory of stellar atmospheres needed to take into account the temperature dependence of flux intensity and limb darkening coefficients. The search for spot parameters is based on the analysis of several light curves obtained in different photometric bands. We test our technique by applying it to HII 1883.

Measurement of Forces and Moments Transmitted to the Residual Limb

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-08-01

prosthesis alignment, socket pressure, gait, force and moment sensors 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: U 17. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT 18. NUMBER... prosthesis to measure the forces and moments at the base of the socket and to use these measurements to estimate the forces transmitted to the residual limb...BODY – EACH TASK IN STATEMENT OF WORK Task 1. To instrument a transtibial prosthesis with a tri-axial transducer to measure the forces and

Maintenance of lateral stability during standing and walking in the cat.

PubMed

Karayannidou, A; Zelenin, P V; Orlovsky, G N; Sirota, M G; Beloozerova, I N; Deliagina, T G

2009-01-01

During free behaviors animals often experience lateral forces, such as collisions with obstacles or interactions with other animals. We studied postural reactions to lateral pulses of force (pushes) in the cat during standing and walking. During standing, a push applied to the hip region caused a lateral deviation of the caudal trunk, followed by a return to the initial position. The corrective hindlimb electromyographic (EMG) pattern included an initial wave of excitation in most extensors of the hindlimb contralateral to push and inhibition of those in the ipsilateral limb. In cats walking on a treadmill with only hindlimbs, application of force also caused lateral deviation of the caudal trunk, with subsequent return to the initial position. The type of corrective movement depended on the pulse timing relative to the step cycle. If the force was applied at the end of the stance phase of one of the limbs or during its swing phase, a lateral component appeared in the swing trajectory of this limb. The corrective step was directed either inward (when the corrective limb was ipsilateral to force application) or outward (when it was contralateral). The EMG pattern in the corrective limb was characterized by considerable modification of the hip abductor and adductor activity in the perturbed step. Thus the basic mechanisms for balance control in these two forms of behavior are different. They perform a redistribution of muscle activity between symmetrical limbs (in standing) and a reconfiguration of the base of support during a corrective lateral step (in walking).

A Computational Clonal Analysis of the Developing Mouse Limb Bud

PubMed Central

Marcon, Luciano; Arqués, Carlos G.; Torres, Miguel S.; Sharpe, James

2011-01-01

A comprehensive spatio-temporal description of the tissue movements underlying organogenesis would be an extremely useful resource to developmental biology. Clonal analysis and fate mappings are popular experiments to study tissue movement during morphogenesis. Such experiments allow cell populations to be labeled at an early stage of development and to follow their spatial evolution over time. However, disentangling the cumulative effects of the multiple events responsible for the expansion of the labeled cell population is not always straightforward. To overcome this problem, we develop a novel computational method that combines accurate quantification of 2D limb bud morphologies and growth modeling to analyze mouse clonal data of early limb development. Firstly, we explore various tissue movements that match experimental limb bud shape changes. Secondly, by comparing computational clones with newly generated mouse clonal data we are able to choose and characterize the tissue movement map that better matches experimental data. Our computational analysis produces for the first time a two dimensional model of limb growth based on experimental data that can be used to better characterize limb tissue movement in space and time. The model shows that the distribution and shapes of clones can be described as a combination of anisotropic growth with isotropic cell mixing, without the need for lineage compartmentalization along the AP and PD axis. Lastly, we show that this comprehensive description can be used to reassess spatio-temporal gene regulations taking tissue movement into account and to investigate PD patterning hypothesis. PMID:21347315

Diagnosis and surgical approach of popliteal artery entrapment syndrome: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Gourgiotis, Stavros; Aggelakas, John; Salemis, Nikolaos; Elias, Charalabos; Georgiou, Charalabos

2008-01-01

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare but potentially limb threatening peripheral vascular disease occurring predominantly in young adults. This study is a retrospective review of 49 limbs in 38 patients with PAES treated surgically over an 8-year period. From 1995 to 2002, 38 patients with a mean age of 21 years (range, 18-29 years) underwent surgery for PAES at a single institution. The patients' demographic data and clinical features are recorded. The preoperative diagnosis of PAES was made based on various combinations of investigations including positional stress test, duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography, computed tomographic angiography, and angiography. Nine, 33, and 7 patients had Delaney's type I, II, and III PAES respectively. The surgical procedures consisted of simple release of the popliteal artery in 33 limbs (67.3%), autogenous saphenous vein (ASV) patch angioplasty with or without thromboendarterectomy (TEA) in 5 limbs (10.2%) and ASV graft interposition or bypass in 11 limbs (22.5%). At a median follow up of 34 months (range, 8-42 months), there were no postoperative complications and all the patients were cured of their symptoms. PAES is an unusual but important cause of peripheral vascular insufficiency especially in young patients. Early diagnosis through a combined approach is necessary for exact diagnosis. Popliteal artery release alone or with vein bypass is the treatment of choice when intervention is indicated for good operative outcome and to prevent limb loss.

Morphology of the pelvis and hind limb of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) evidenced by gross osteology, radiography and computed tomography.

PubMed

Makungu, M; du Plessis, W M; Groenewald, H B; Barrows, M; Koeppel, K N

2015-12-01

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a quadrupedal arboreal animal primarily distributed in the Himalayas and southern China. It is a species commonly kept in zoological collections. This study was carried out to describe the morphology of the pelvis and hind limb of the red panda evidenced by gross osteology, radiography and computed tomography as a reference for clinical use and identification of skeletons. Radiography of the pelvis and right hind limb was performed in nine and seven animals, respectively. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from three adult animals. Computed tomography of the torso and hind limb was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone had a wide ventromedial surface of the ilium. The trochlea of the femur was wide and shallow. The patella was similar to that seen in feline species. The medial fabella was not seen radiographically in any animal. The cochlea grooves of the tibia were shallow with a poorly defined intermediate ridge. The trochlea of the talus was shallow and presented with an almost flattened medial ridge. The tarsal sesamoid bone was always present. The lateral process of the base of the fifth metatarsal (MT) bone was directed laterally. The MT bones were widely spaced. The morphology of the pelvis and hind limb of the red panda indicated flexibility of the pelvis and hind limb joints as an adaptation to an arboreal quadrupedal lifestyle. © 2014 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

A Structured Review of Antithrombotic Therapy in Peripheral Artery Disease With a Focus on Revascularization: A TASC (InterSociety Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Artery Disease) Initiative.

PubMed

Hess, Connie N; Norgren, Lars; Ansel, Gary M; Capell, Warren H; Fletcher, John P; Fowkes, F Gerry R; Gottsäter, Anders; Hitos, Kerry; Jaff, Michael R; Nordanstig, Joakim; Hiatt, William R

2017-06-20

Peripheral artery disease affects >200 million people worldwide and is associated with significant limb and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Limb revascularization is recommended to improve function and quality of life for symptomatic patients with peripheral artery disease with intermittent claudication who have not responded to medical treatment. For patients with critical limb ischemia, the goals of revascularization are to relieve pain, help wound healing, and prevent limb loss. The baseline risk of cardiovascular and limb-related events demonstrated among patients with stable peripheral artery disease is elevated after revascularization and related to atherothrombosis and restenosis. Both of these processes involve platelet activation and the coagulation cascade, forming the basis for the use of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapies to optimize procedural success and reduce postprocedural cardiovascular risk. Unfortunately, few high-quality, randomized data to support use of these therapies after peripheral artery disease revascularization exist, and much of the rationale for the use of antiplatelet agents after endovascular peripheral revascularization is extrapolated from percutaneous coronary intervention literature. Consequently, guideline recommendations for antithrombotic therapy after lower limb revascularization are inconsistent and not always evidence-based. In this context, the purpose of this structured review is to assess the available randomized data for antithrombotic therapy after peripheral arterial revascularization, with a focus on clinical trial design issues that may affect interpretation of study results, and highlight areas that require further investigation. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Effectiveness of Variable-Gain Kalman Filter Based on Angle Error Calculated from Acceleration Signals in Lower Limb Angle Measurement with Inertial Sensors

PubMed Central

Watanabe, Takashi

2013-01-01

The wearable sensor system developed by our group, which measured lower limb angles using Kalman-filtering-based method, was suggested to be useful in evaluation of gait function for rehabilitation support. However, it was expected to reduce variations of measurement errors. In this paper, a variable-Kalman-gain method based on angle error that was calculated from acceleration signals was proposed to improve measurement accuracy. The proposed method was tested comparing to fixed-gain Kalman filter and a variable-Kalman-gain method that was based on acceleration magnitude used in previous studies. First, in angle measurement in treadmill walking, the proposed method measured lower limb angles with the highest measurement accuracy and improved significantly foot inclination angle measurement, while it improved slightly shank and thigh inclination angles. The variable-gain method based on acceleration magnitude was not effective for our Kalman filter system. Then, in angle measurement of a rigid body model, it was shown that the proposed method had measurement accuracy similar to or higher than results seen in other studies that used markers of camera-based motion measurement system fixing on a rigid plate together with a sensor or on the sensor directly. The proposed method was found to be effective in angle measurement with inertial sensors. PMID:24282442

Feasibility of Synergy-Based Exoskeleton Robot Control in Hemiplegia.

PubMed

Hassan, Modar; Kadone, Hideki; Ueno, Tomoyuki; Hada, Yasushi; Sankai, Yoshiyuki; Suzuki, Kenji

2018-06-01

Here, we present a study on exoskeleton robot control based on inter-limb locomotor synergies using a robot control method developed to target hemiparesis. The robot control is based on inter-limb locomotor synergies and kinesiological information from the non-paretic leg and a walking aid cane to generate motion patterns for the assisted leg. The developed synergy-based system was tested against an autonomous robot control system in five patients with hemiparesis and varying locomotor abilities. Three of the participants were able to walk using the robot. Results from these participants showed an improved spatial symmetry ratio and more consistent step length with the synergy-based method compared with that for the autonomous method, while the increase in the range of motion for the assisted joints was larger with the autonomous system. The kinematic synergy distribution of the participants walking without the robot suggests a relationship between each participant's synergy distribution and his/her ability to control the robot: participants with two independent synergies accounting for approximately 80% of the data variability were able to walk with the robot. This observation was not consistently apparent with conventional clinical measures such as the Brunnstrom stages. This paper contributes to the field of robot-assisted locomotion therapy by introducing the concept of inter-limb synergies, demonstrating performance differences between synergy-based and autonomous robot control, and investigating the range of disability in which the system is usable.

Thermographic image analysis as a pre-screening tool for the detection of canine bone cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subedi, Samrat; Umbaugh, Scott E.; Fu, Jiyuan; Marino, Dominic J.; Loughin, Catherine A.; Sackman, Joseph

2014-09-01

Canine bone cancer is a common type of cancer that grows fast and may be fatal. It usually appears in the limbs which is called "appendicular bone cancer." Diagnostic imaging methods such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more common methods in bone cancer detection than invasive physical examination such as biopsy. These imaging methods have some disadvantages; including high expense, high dose of radiation, and keeping the patient (canine) motionless during the imaging procedures. This project study identifies the possibility of using thermographic images as a pre-screening tool for diagnosis of bone cancer in dogs. Experiments were performed with thermographic images from 40 dogs exhibiting the disease bone cancer. Experiments were performed with color normalization using temperature data provided by the Long Island Veterinary Specialists. The images were first divided into four groups according to body parts (Elbow/Knee, Full Limb, Shoulder/Hip and Wrist). Each of the groups was then further divided into three sub-groups according to views (Anterior, Lateral and Posterior). Thermographic pattern of normal and abnormal dogs were analyzed using feature extraction and pattern classification tools. Texture features, spectral feature and histogram features were extracted from the thermograms and were used for pattern classification. The best classification success rate in canine bone cancer detection is 90% with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 80% produced by anterior view of full-limb region with nearest neighbor classification method and normRGB-lum color normalization method. Our results show that it is possible to use thermographic imaging as a pre-screening tool for detection of canine bone cancer.

Ozone profiles retrieval from SCIAMACHY Chappuis-Wulf limb scattered spectra using MART

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, ZiJun; Chen, ShengBo; Jin, LiHua; Yang, ChunYan

2011-02-01

The Scanning Imaging Absorption spectroMeter for Atmospheric ChartographY (SCIAMACHY) instrument, launched on the Envisat satellite in March 2002, measures the earthshine radiance, simultaneously from the ultraviolet (UV) to the near infrared (NIR), in the three viewing geometries: nadir, limb, and occultation. These measurements are used to retrieve both the total amount and vertical profiles of a large number of atmospheric constituents. In this paper, stratospheric ozone profiles between 15 and 40 km altitude are retrieved on 3 km grids from SCIAMACHY limb scattered radiance in the Chappuis-Wulf band. The study employs a new multiplicative algebraic reconstruction technique (MART) coupled with the radiative transfer model SCIATRAN. This technique is outstanding in that more than one measurement vector element can be used to retrieve the ozone density at any altitude. Furthermore, it is straightforward to understand, easy to implement and likely to produce stable results. Radiance normalization and wavelength pairing is applied to radiance as an intermediate step, using the wavelengths 525 nm, 600 nm and 675 nm. The sensitivity of ozone retrieval by this method to tangent altitude pointing, surface albedo, aerosol and cloud parameters is studied, and the results show that the retrieval impact due to tangent altitude pointing bias is the biggest up to 75% with 1 km shift, and the impact of albedo is limited within 5%. The effect of boundary visibility and cloud parameters can be ignored since their impact is too small. The effectiveness of the retrieval is demonstrated using a set of coincident SCIAMACHY products at Hefei that shows a mean bias of less than 12% between 15 and 40 km, and with a better accuracy of 5% from 16 to 36 km.

Effect of ethnicity and sex on the growth of the axial and appendicular skeleton of children living in a developing country.

PubMed

Nyati, Lukhanyo H; Norris, Shane A; Cameron, Noel; Pettifor, John M

2006-05-01

Bones in the axial and appendicular skeletons exhibit heterogeneous growth patterns between different ethnic and sex groups. However, the influence of this differential growth on the expression of bone mineral content is not yet established. The aims of the present study were to investigate: 1) whether there are ethnic and sex differences in axial and appendicular dimensions of South African children; and 2) whether regional segment length is a better predictor of bone mass than stature. Anthropometric measurements of stature, weight, sitting height, and limb lengths were taken on 368 black and white, male and female 9-year-old children. DXA (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry) scans of the distal ulna, distal radius, and hip and lumbar spine were also obtained. Analyses of covariance were performed to assess differences in limb lengths, adjusted for differences in stature. Multiple regression analyses were used to assess significant predictors of site-specific bone mass. Stature-adjusted means of limb lengths show that black boys have longer legs and humeri but shorter trunks than white boys. In addition, black children have longer forearms than white children, and girls have longer thighs than boys. The regression analysis demonstrated that site-specific bone mass was more strongly associated with regional segment length than stature, but this had little effect on the overall pattern of ethnic and sex differences. In conclusion, there is a differential effect of ethnicity and sex on the growth of the axial and appendicular skeletons, and regional segment length is a better predictor of site-specific bone mass than stature. Copyright 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Effects of whole-body vibration training on physical function, bone and muscle mass in adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy

PubMed Central

Gusso, Silmara; Munns, Craig F; Colle, Patrícia; Derraik, José G B; Biggs, Janene B; Cutfield, Wayne S; Hofman, Paul L

2016-01-01

We performed a clinical trial on the effects of whole-body vibration training (WBVT) on muscle function and bone health of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. Forty participants (11.3–20.8 years) with mild to moderate cerebral palsy (GMFCS II–III) underwent 20-week WBVT on a vibration plate for 9 minutes/day 4 times/week at 20 Hz (without controls). Assessments included 6-minute walk test, whole-body DXA, lower leg pQCT scans, and muscle function (force plate). Twenty weeks of WBVT were associated with increased lean mass in the total body (+770 g; p = 0.0003), trunk (+410 g; p = 0.004), and lower limbs (+240 g; p = 0.012). Bone mineral content increased in total body (+48 g; p = 0.0001), lumbar spine (+2.7 g; p = 0.0003), and lower limbs (+13 g; p < 0.0001). Similarly, bone mineral density increased in total body (+0.008 g/cm2; p = 0.013), lumbar spine (+0.014 g/cm2; p = 0.003), and lower limbs (+0.023 g/cm2; p < 0.0001). Participants reduced the time taken to perform the chair test, and improved the distance walked in the 6-minute walk test by 11% and 35% for those with GMFCS II and III, respectively. WBVT was associated with increases in muscle mass and bone mass and density, and improved mobility of adolescents and young adults with cerebral palsy. PMID:26936535

Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Manifested as Unusual Edemas and Effusions: A Case Report.

PubMed

Wang, Xuefeng; Jin, Hong; Wu, Weilu

2016-03-01

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by diffuse or localized dilation and eventual rupture of the enteric lymphatic vessels in mucosa, submucosa, and/or subserosa. Lymph, rich in all kinds of proteins and lymphocytes, leaks into the gastrointestinal tract via the affected lymphatic vessels causing hypoproteinemia and lymphopenia. The main symptom is variable degrees of pitting edemas of bilateral lower limbs. But edemas of any other parts of body, and mild serous effusions may also occur sometimes. PIL occurs in conjunction with a right hemifacial edema, a right upper limb lymphedema, asymmetric bilateral calves edemas, and a unilateral massive pleural effusion seems never to be reported before. In addition, increased enteric protein loss that may cause severe hypoproteinemia usually get overlooked, and the lymphatic system disorders always put the diagnoses in a dilemma.We described a case of a 17-year-old Chinese girl with a history of gradually progressive swellings of right-sided face, right upper limb, and bilateral calves since 3 to 4 months of age. A right-sided massive pleural effusion, a moderate pericardial effusion, and a mild ascites have been proved unchanged by a series of computerized tomography (CT) scans since 5 years ago. The diagnosis of PIL was finally confirmed by severe hypoproteinemia, endoscopic changes, and histology of jejunum biopsy. Further lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography also identified lymph leakage in her bowel and several abnormal lymphatic vessels. A high-protein, low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) showed some benefit.This case suggested that PIL was a rare but important etiology of hypoproteinemia, effusions, and edemas. PIL, effusions, and lymphedema can be the features of multisegmental generalized lymphatic dysplasia. In addition, both lymphoscintigraphy and intranodal lymphangiography could be considered when lymphatic system disorders are suspected.

Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Manifested as Unusual Edemas and Effusions

PubMed Central

Wang, Xuefeng; Jin, Hong; Wu, Weilu

2016-01-01

Abstract Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by diffuse or localized dilation and eventual rupture of the enteric lymphatic vessels in mucosa, submucosa, and/or subserosa. Lymph, rich in all kinds of proteins and lymphocytes, leaks into the gastrointestinal tract via the affected lymphatic vessels causing hypoproteinemia and lymphopenia. The main symptom is variable degrees of pitting edemas of bilateral lower limbs. But edemas of any other parts of body, and mild serous effusions may also occur sometimes. PIL occurs in conjunction with a right hemifacial edema, a right upper limb lymphedema, asymmetric bilateral calves edemas, and a unilateral massive pleural effusion seems never to be reported before. In addition, increased enteric protein loss that may cause severe hypoproteinemia usually get overlooked, and the lymphatic system disorders always put the diagnoses in a dilemma. We described a case of a 17-year-old Chinese girl with a history of gradually progressive swellings of right-sided face, right upper limb, and bilateral calves since 3 to 4 months of age. A right-sided massive pleural effusion, a moderate pericardial effusion, and a mild ascites have been proved unchanged by a series of computerized tomography (CT) scans since 5 years ago. The diagnosis of PIL was finally confirmed by severe hypoproteinemia, endoscopic changes, and histology of jejunum biopsy. Further lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography also identified lymph leakage in her bowel and several abnormal lymphatic vessels. A high-protein, low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) showed some benefit. This case suggested that PIL was a rare but important etiology of hypoproteinemia, effusions, and edemas. PIL, effusions, and lymphedema can be the features of multisegmental generalized lymphatic dysplasia. In addition, both lymphoscintigraphy and intranodal lymphangiography could be considered when lymphatic system disorders are suspected. PMID:26962779

The UARS and EOS Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) Experiments.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Waters, J. W.; Read, W. G.; Froidevaux, L.; Jarnot, R. F.; Cofield, R. E.; Flower, D. A.; Lau, G. K.; Pickett, H. M.; Santee, M. L.; Wu, D. L.; Boyles, M. A.; Burke, J. R.; Lay, R. R.; Loo, M. S.; Livesey, N. J.; Lungu, T. A.; Manney, G. L.; Nakamura, L. L.;  Perun, V. S.;  Ridenoure, B. P.;  Shippony, Z.;  Siegel, P. H.;  Thurstans, R. P.;  Harwood, R. S.;  Pumphrey, H. C.;  Filipiak, M. J.

1999-01-01

The Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) experiments obtain measurements of atmospheric composition, temperature, and pressure by observations of millimeter- and submillimeter-wavelength thermal emission as the instrument field of view is scanned through the atmospheric limb. Features of the measurement technique include the ability to measure many atmospheric gases as well as temperature and pressure, to obtain measurements even in the presence of dense aerosol and cirrus, and to provide near-global coverage on a daily basis at all times of day and night from an orbiting platform. The composition measurements are relatively insensitive to uncertainties in atmospheric temperature. An accurate spectroscopic database is available, and the instrument calibration is also very accurate and stable. The first MLS experiment in space, launched on the (NASA) Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) in September 1991, was designed primarily to measure stratospheric profiles of ClO, O3, H2O, and atmospheric pressure as a vertical reference. Global measurement of ClO, the predominant radical in chlorine destruction of ozone, was an especially important objective of UARS MLS. All objectives of UARS MLS have been accomplished and additional geophysical products beyond those for which the experiment was designed have been obtained, including measurement of upper-tropospheric water vapor, which is important for climate change studies. A follow-on MLS experiment is being developed for NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS) and is scheduled to be launched on the EOS CHEMISTRY platform in late 2002. EOS MLS is designed for many stratospheric measurements, including HOx radicals, which could not be measured by UARS because adequate technology was not available, and better and more extensive upper-tropospheric and lower-stratospheric measurements.

Revised Correlation between Odin/OSIRIS PMC Properties and Coincident TIMED/SABER Mesospheric Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feofilov, A. G.; Petelina, S V.; Kutepov, A. A.; Pesnell, W. D.; Goldberg, R. A.; Llewellyn, E. J.; Russell, J. M.

2006-01-01

The Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS) instrument on board the Odin satellite detects Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) through the enhancement in the limb scattered solar radiance. The Sounding of the Atmosphere using the Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on board the TIMED satellite is a limb scanning infrared radiometer that measures temperature and vertical profiles and energetic parameters for minor constituents in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The combination of OSIRIS and SABER data has been previously used to statistically derive thermal conditions for PMC existence [Petelina et al., 2005]. In this work, we employ the simultaneous common volume measurements of PMCs by OSIRIS and temperature profiles measured by SABER for the Northern Hemisphere summers of 2002-2005 and corrected in the polar region by accounting for the vibrational-vibrational energy exchange among the CO2 isotopes [Kutepov et al., 2006]. For each of 20 coincidences identified within plus or minus 1 degree latitude, plus or minus 2 degrees longitude and less than 1 hour time the frost point temperatures were calculated using the corresponding SABER temperature profile and water vapor densities of 1,3, and 10 ppmv. We found that the PMC presence and brightness correlated only with the temperature threshold that corresponds to the frost point. The absolute value of the temperature below the frost point, however, didn't play a significant role in the intensity of PMC signal for the majority of selected coincidences. The presence of several bright clouds at temperatures above the frost point is obviously related to the limitation of the limb geometry when some near- or far-field PMCs located at higher (and warmer) altitudes appear to be at lower altitudes.

Revised Correlation between Odin/OSIRIS PMC Properties and Coincident TIMED/SABER Mesospheric Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Feofilov, A. G.; Petelina, S. V.; Kutepov, A. A.; Pesnell, W. D.; Goldberg, R. A.; Llewellyn, E. J.; Russell, J. M.

2006-01-01

The Optical Spectrograph and Infrared Imaging System (OSIRIS) instrument on board the Odin satellite detects Polar Mesospheric Clouds (PMCs) through the enhancement in the limb-scattered solar radiance. The Sounding of the Atmosphere using the Broadband Emission Radiometry (SABER) instrument on board the TIMED satellite is a limb scanning infrared radiometer that measures temperature and vertical profiles and energetic parameters for minor constituents in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere. The combination of OSIRIS and SABER data has been previously used to statistically derive thermal conditions for PMC existence [Petelina et al., 2005]. a, A.A. Kutepov, W.D. Pesnell, In this work, we employ the simultaneous common volume measurements of PMCs by OSIRIS and temperature profiles measured by SABER for the Northern Hemisphere summers of 2002-2005 and corrected in the polar region by accounting for the vibrational-vibrational energy exchange among the CO2 isotopes [Kutepov et al., 2006]. For each of 20 coincidences identified within plus or minus 1 degree latitude, plus or minus 2 degrees longitude and less than 1 hour time the frost point temperatures were calculated using the corresponding SABER temperature profile and water vapor densities of 1,3, and 10 ppmv. We found that the PMC presence and brightness correlated only with the temperature threshold that corresponds to the frost point. The absolute value of the temperature below the frost point, however, didn't play a significant role in the intensity of PMC signal for the majority of selected coincidences. The presence of several bright clouds at temperatures above the frost point is obviously related to the limitation of the limb geometry when some near- or far-field PMCs located at higher (and warmer) altitudes appear to be at lower altitudes.

Measurements of Thermospheric O2 Density from GOLD

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lumpe, J. D.; Correira, J.; Evans, J. S.; Eastes, R.; McClintock, B.; Beland, S.

2016-12-01

The Global-scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) instrument, scheduled for launch in 2017, will image the Earth's thermosphere and ionosphere in the far ultraviolet from geostationary orbit. GOLD will measure a number of critical geophysical parameters, including thermospheric temperature and composition, by continuously scanning the Earth's disk and limb 18 hours per day. GOLD will also routinely perform stellar occultation measurements using bright type O and B stars. These provide a direct measurement of the atmospheric slant path transmission profile in the O2 Schumann Runge continuum, which will be used to retrieve O2 density profiles between approximately 120 and 250 km altitude. In nominal operational mode GOLD will measure approximately 12 occultation events per day. These measurements will occur at latitudes ranging from 60S to 60N at two longitudes, corresponding to the east and west limbs as observed from GOLD's fixed orbit position. Depending on timing and availability each target star can be observed twice daily, in both rising and setting mode. Additionally, both daytime and nighttime occultations are possible, which allows for O2 retrievals over a wide range of local times. Results of detailed retrieval simulations show that the precision and accuracy of the retrieved O2 density will be 10-20% depending on star brightness. We present a summary of the expected spatial, temporal and local time sampling of the GOLD Level 2 O2 data products. This data set will shed light on the response of the O2 density profile to geomagnetic disturbances and solar UV variability, and help address the extent to which the O2 distribution is determined by simple diffusive equilibrium as opposed to chemistry, which can operate on much shorter timescales.

Effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on upper extremity motor recovery in the early period after stroke: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Tosun, Aliye; Türe, Sabiha; Askin, Ayhan; Yardimci, Engin Ugur; Demirdal, Secil Umit; Kurt Incesu, Tülay; Tosun, Ozgur; Kocyigit, Hikmet; Akhan, Galip; Gelal, Fazıl Mustafa

2017-07-01

To assess the efficacy of inhibitory repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on upper extremity motor function in patients with acute/subacute ischemic stroke. Twenty-five ischemic acute/subacute stroke subjects were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Experimental group 1 received low frequency (LF) rTMS to the primary motor cortex of the unaffected side + physical therapy (PT) including activities to improve strength, flexibility, transfers, posture, balance, coordination, and activities of daily living, mainly focusing on upper limb movements; experimental group 2 received the same protocol combined with NMES to hand extensor muscles; and the control group received only PT. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan was used to evaluate the activation or inhibition of the affected and unaffected primary motor cortex. No adverse effect was reported. Most of the clinical outcome scores improved significantly in all groups, however no statistically significant difference was found between groups due to the small sample sizes. The highest percent improvement scores were observed in TMS + NMES group (varying between 48 and 99.3%) and the lowest scores in control group (varying between 13.1 and 28.1%). Hand motor recovery was significant in both experimental groups while it did not change in control group. Some motor cortex excitability changes were also observed in fMRI. LF-rTMS with or without NMES seems to facilitate the motor recovery in the paretic hand of patients with acute/subacute ischemic stroke. TMS or the combination of TMS + NMES may be a promising additional therapy in upper limb motor training. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to establish their effectiveness in upper limb motor rehabilitation of stroke.